COLLINGWOOD toppled Port Melbourne by 11 points in front of a healthy home crowd on Saturday, notching their seventh win of the season, writes Luke Armstrong
In a low scoring arm wrestle, The Magpies prevailed 11.9 (75) to 8.16 (64) to cement their place in the top half of the ladder.
Both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard early with the first goal not coming until the 20-minute mark of the first term.
Port Melbourne kicked five behinds before kicking their first and their inaccuracy would prove pivotal in the result.
The Magpies shared the goals around, with only one multiple goalkicker in Caolan Mooney who finished with two. Singles were recorded by Andrew Krakouer, Jarrod Witts, Tim Broomhead, Ben Richmond, Brodie Grundy, Corey Gault, Nick Gray, first-gamer Billy Barden, and captain Jack Hellier.
For the Borough, Joshua Scipione booted three goals, while Chris Cain and Dean Galea each kicked two, and Wade Skipper added one.
With the umpires putting their whistles away, the game flowed freely, with fewer stoppages, as a result. Toby Pinwill was among the best for Port with his work through the middle helping the visitors stay in touch.
Andrew Krakouer might be ready for senior duties for Collingwood after constantly making his opponents look like witches hats.
Port Melbourne had their chances to win, but indecision when in possession of the football was their undoing. They narrowed the margin to 3 points at the 13 minute mark of the last term, with a goal to Chris Cain, but Collingwood closed out the game with gusto.
The game was tightly contested for four quarters, with Port playing a fluid style of football, and the Pies unflappable, confident, and tough.
Peter Yagmoor, Caolan Mooney, and Lachlan Wallace were others to shine for Collingwood, while Sam Pleming, Joshua Scipione, and Chris Cain led Port Melbourne’s resistance.
It was a game of halves, with Port leading at half-time by one point, however they couldn’t maintain the momentum, and were outscored in the last half 6.5 to 4.6.
Inaccuracy was another stumbling block for Port, recording 16 points for the match.
Collingwood travel to Box Hill next Saturday, while Port Melbourne are at home to Bendigo, also on Saturday.
Last Modified on 30/06/2013 15:52