By Luke Mason
Although the VFL season is but four weeks old, Collingwood and North Ballarat have already registered a nomination for the match of the year, with the Roosters holding on grimly to defeat the Magpies by five-points at Visy Park on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides enjoyed their share of the lead at various stages throughout the afternoon, before two final quarter goals to North Ballaratâs Cameron Richardson steered the side to a tense victory.
Collingwood can be well pleased with its efforts, for it marks genuine improvement from also-ran in its first stand-alone season last year. Facing the reigning premiers, the Pies refused to wilt, and were scrapping for the Sherrin deep inside their attacking fifty when the final siren sounded.
The Roosters were served well by Jacob Spolding, who booted four goals, as did key forward Michael Wundke. It was the combination of Wundke and fellow North Melbourne-listed teammate Corey Jones (three-goals) who made life difficult for the Pies in attack, with the latter staking strong claims for a promotion to the senior side next week.
Meanwhile, the Magpies had a strong presence at the clearances through the agency of Danny Stanley, Steele Sidebottom and Jarryd Blair, with each matching their more fancied opponents when the going got tough.
Stanley played perhaps the best match of his career en route to four goals. His best for the day came from a courageous mark, after keeping his eyes on a skied kick deep inside fifty midway through the last quarter. His goal put the Pies in the lead, only for Richardson to steal the game when it counted.
The game began with North Ballarat looking the stronger outfit, booting three of the first four goals before the Pies hit their straps, with both sides level at the first change.
The free-flowing footy continued through the second quarter, with both sides going goal for goal in adding five majors apiece. With thanks to Blairâs drive through the midfield, and Coxâs rebound from half back, the Pies held a slender three-point lead at the main break.
But the visitors werenât to be denied, storming back into the lead in the third term with four goals to one, taking advantage of the Magpies frittering away numerous golden opportunities in front of goal. A lack of composure held the Pies back, as Wundke marked inside fifty moments prior to the siren, duly booting his fourth for the match.
A 13-point three-quarter time lead to the reigning premiers would normally be enough to signal an onslaught in the final quarter, but Gavin Brownâs Magpies were not to be denied their shot at their third victory from four starts. Two majors to Chris Bryan and Brad Dick wrenched back the lead in the early going, before the tide turned in favour of the Roosters, who went on to outscore their opponents with four goals to three for the rest of the quarter.
Stanleyâs fourth gave Collingwood a one-goal buffer with under 10-minutes remaining in the match, but the experience of North Ballarat told the story, as Richardson capitalised on a late surge from his side, nudging the Roosters ahead by a mere five points when the siren rang.
Ben Reid had the chance to level the scores with minutes remaining with a hurried shot from outside fifty, but managed only the one behind.
The pulsating clash had it all. Hard running, high scoring, and heavy hitting, as neither side gave an inch in a memorable exhibition of football.
Both teams play again next Sunday, with North Ballarat to host Bendigo at Central Park, Stawell, whilst Collingwood takes on Box Hill at Visy Park.
Collingwood: 4.2 9.7 10.10 15.12 (102)
North Ballarat: 4.2 9.4 13.5 17.5 (107)
GOALS:
Collingwood: Stanley 4 Bryan 3 Dick 2 Pendlebury Sidebottom Peverill Blight Cox Goldsack
North Ballarat: Spolding 4 Wundke 4 Jones 3 Driscoll 2 Richardson 2 Smith Cartledge
BEST:
Collingwood: Stanley Sidebottom Cox Thoolen Peverill Pendlebury
North Ballarat: Jones Sharkey Spolding Wundke Richardson Roach
Umpires: D.Beard, T.Saunders, G.Denison
At Visy Park.
Last Modified on 05/05/2009 10:13