by Mark Towson
VFL Round 15
With the pain of last weeks loss to North Ballarat still fresh, Port Melbourne were determined to knock over the Pies and stay in the hunt for a top four spot.
Collingwood started the game kicking with the aid of a stiff breeze to the Williamstown Road end. Running the ball in numbers and using the ball well, Collingwood looked sharp and made the most of their scoring opportunities.
Six first quarter goals had the Pies full of confidence and with a lead of 22 points at the first break.
Port had plenty of the ball and were right in the game, but could only manage two first quarter goals. Both were kicked by Callum Sinclair.
Port got off to a good start in the second term with 2 early goals to forward Dean Galea. A couple of brilliant snaps on goal by Josh Scipione and Shane Valenti further reduced the margin and had the Port supporters feeling a lot better.
But every time Port threatened to get a roll on, the Pies responded with some excellent goal kicking and exciting ball movement.
Port also squandered a number of shots on goal which was starting to frustrate Port coach Gary Ayres.
Port veteran, Ryan McMahon was able to kick 2 goals in succession to bring the Borough within 3 points with less than a minute to go until halftime.
However a late forward entry by Collingwood saw them kick a goal after the siren and go into half time with a 9 point lead.
Some very stern words from Gary Ayres at half time had the desired result with Port looking much more purposeful and committed.
Although Collingwood had a strong breeze at their backs, it was Port getting there hands on the ball and blanketing all the magpie forward thrusts.
Defender Sam Pleming was simply outstanding with his reading of the play and strong marking. He got Port out of jail on numerous occasions and his field kicking was exemplary.
Dean Galea kicked the first of the term with a nice snap from the boundary after receiving a free kick for a push in the back.
Port’s midfield began to fire and their pressure and tackling made the pies fumble and turn the ball over.
A late goal to Chris Cain saw the Borough outscore Collingwood for the term, and give them selves a huge opportunity to run over the magpies.
At the final break it was Collingwood leading 11.13.79 to Port Melbourne 10.13.73
At three quarter time Gary Ayres reminded his players of the hurt from last week’s loss to top side North Ballarat. The Port side knew that their top four chances were on the line and simply had to lift in the last quarter.
The opening ten minutes of the last quarter saw the Borough dominate and have a heap of shots on goal. Unfortunatly for Port, poor goal kicking continued to dog them.
The usually ever reliable Ryan McMahon missed 3 shots in a row and the Borough faithful were getting very nervous.
Michael Dillon turned this around with a 55 metre bomb to edge Port closer. The goal gave Port confidence and when Ryan McMahon finally nailed his third for the day, it looked like the Borough were about to break loose and steamroll the magpies.
Port, were on top all over the ground and the Pies seemed to have no answer for Port’s run and carry and aggressive game play.
Cal Sinclair kicked his third for the match as the game was edging the time on period. Port continued to pepper the goals and looked winners but they simply couldn’t kick straight.
After injuring his knee in round one at Southport, Sam Dwyer iced the game with a mark and goal after the siren to give Port a fantastic 23 point win.
The win gives Port a spot in the top four with a game and percentage break on the 5th placed magpies.
With games against Sandringham, Geelong and Frankston remaining, Port has its destiny in its own hands.
Gary Ayres would be thrilled with the effort from his side, especially after half time. With 35 shots on goal, Port is doing plenty right.
However the Borough’s goal kicking needs to improve as they are letting teams off the hook whilst dominating many periods of their matches.
Best on ground honours went to Port defender Sam Pleming. His job in defence really set up the win for Port when the game was in the balance.
Michael Dillon played his best game for the season whilst David Fanning, Dean Galea, Shane Valenti and Nathan Batsanis were also very good.
Next week will see Port play a rare Sunday game down the bay at Sandringham.
No doubt Port will want to start building some momentum with only 4 weeks until the finals start.
Go the Mighty Borough!
Port Melbourne 2.6 8.11 10.13 14.21 (105)
Collingwood 6.4 10.8 11.13 11.16 (82)
GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Galea 3 Sinclair 3 McMahon 3 Dwyer Dillon Cain Scipione Valenti
Collingwood: McCarthy 2 McNamara 2 Pendlebury Rounds Reed Rusling O'Bree Fraser Barham
BEST:
Port Melbourne: Pleming Dillon Fanning Galea Valenti Batsanis
Collingwood: Anthony Cook McCarthy Fraser Medhurst Buckley
Last Modified on 02/08/2010 20:46