Round 10 – Collingwood v Sydney: The steel stud affair

August 8, 2020 by Richard Davis Leave a Comment

Collingwood had to win after some sad performances and Sydney wanted to win, which made for a tight competition. Collingwood had the best of the first quarter, but couldn’t score, while Sydney defended stoutly and maintained pressure. Both defences were strong and scoring was difficult. In the second quarter Sydney managed to move the ball with speed through Collingwood’s defence and goaled on four occasions. Youngsters, such as Wicks, Stephens, Bell and Rowbottom, were prominent. Collingwood’s defence was almost impenetrable with Roughead back in. Maynard and midfielders in Adams, Treloar and Sier began to star. By half time Lloyd was BOG with 12 disposals in the first half.

Collingwood took over in the third quarter, moving the ball quickly and decisively. They were rewarded with goals to Noble, Reid and Adams. Injuries to Treloar and Hoskin-Elliott made the Pies task difficult, but they held a 9 point lead in a low-scoring game.

The final quarter was a real struggle with both sides missing goals. A long shot by Thurlow put Sydney two points behind, but try as they might, they couldn’t snatch the lead. An error in defence, giving the ball to Daicos, was all that was needed. A superb goal resulted.

Collingwood came away with the win that they wanted, shaped by their experienced players and a touch of brilliance. Adams, Treloar, Sier, Daicos and a host of defenders were fine players. For Sydney, it was a pleasing effort in a winnable game. Lloyd was excellent but youngsters Dawson, Rowbottom, Hayward, Stephens and a top return game by Thurlow showed hope. Callum Sinclair competed strongly in his best game of the season.

The injury to Quaynor should never have occurred. Steel studs have been banned for forty years and how they appeared again reflects on the AFL, the manufacturers and Sydney (on this occasion) for allowing them. Thank goodness the boy is OK and may only miss a couple of games. Why aren’t the umpires visiting the rooms before the game and checking boots? Some mixing with the players in this way will not do any harm and anyway, self-regulation never works. Finally, Josh Daicos – what a kick.

COLLINGWOOD 0.6 2.10 5.11 6.14 (50)
SYDNEY 1.0 5.0 5.2 6.5 (41)

GOALS

Collingwood: Ruscoe, Elliott, Noble, B. Reid, Adams, Daicos

Sydney: Thurlow 2, Wicks, Bell, Stephens, Papley

BEST

Collingwood: Adams, Maynard, Daicos, Treloar, Sier, Grundy

Sydney: Lloyd, Rowbottom, Dawson, Thurlow, Hayward, Stephens

INJURIES

Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott (right knee), Treloar (hamstring), Quaynor (lower right leg)

Sydney: Nil

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