by Garry Stock and Ziggy for the Floreat Pica Society
Ziggy and I waited for this match with trepidation. He and brother Noee (a future contributor) were at the ground. I watched delayed in Israel and we reviewed the game at the end of each quarter.
Not only did Port win well against Brisbane last week, but Hinkley is an “old fox” and should never be under estimated and last year our win was a very narrow one. And we will be without Howey – and Frampton is a big unknown.
We must say that Coach McCrae is one of a kind. The way he built up Frampton in his prematch interview was so positive “I am excited to see what he will do.” He is a huge motivator.
Summary
Never did we expect a result like this. We smashed Port – a good side. Again and again in the report below we will talk about our pressure, our second and third attempts to get the ball, our improved skills both from player additions (especially Mitchell and also Hill) and existing players who seem to be rediscovering themselves (the Hyphen). A huge team effort and probably the biggest margin win for years.
Yes, we had the run of the umpires (31 to 15 frees) but that’s because we went after the ball at all costs and pressured the opposition into errors. Tackles 56 to 39 and clearances 39 to 27 were also part of the story.
Except for short periods Port were not allowed the time to set up their play and system!!
A great team effort.
First Quarter
Port started well and their goals came easily. Dixon was proving difficult for Frampton. This “stand rule” is crazy when a player moves backwards. But Frampton should have known better.
For the first half of the quarter Port were more open and clean than us.
We had to battle to stay in touch.
Cameron and Noble were very effective and Nick Daicos was managing his tagger.
Then at 3 goals to 2 in favour of Port, we lifted the pressure as Ziggy put it to “finals level.” The tackling (Jamie), the endeavour and the skills (Josh, Nick, Bobby) were on show.
We kicked the next 5 and led at quarter time 7.2 to 3.1 – plus 25 points.
Second Quarter
The pressure and endeavour continued and the lead increased. Cameron (except when kicking for goal) was superb and so far the decision to go for the two C’s instead of Brodie is a good one.
Both Cameron and Cox are extremely involved. Taking field marks, winning hit-outs, chasing opponents and catching them, handballing when under pressure. Giving their all. With 16 contested possessions on the day we’re hopeful that Cameron could fill the role of 2018-19 Brodie Grundy in winning clearances (no pressure!).
Noble continued to create opportunities with his energy and speed off half back (was much cleaner than last week) and Sidey kept showing that class is permanent. Much cleaner than last year. His kick to Checkers which resulted in a goal was superb.
And what was evident again was a willingness to take risks which usually worked out to the good.
And the backing up and field vision – how often did we see someone handball to a passing team mate when under huge pressure?
At half time we commented that McStay had to become more mobile and move up the ground and that too often he and Checkers were flying for the same mark.
They must have heard us as in the second half McStay became more mobile and creative (Checkers had been mobile during the first half).
And Pendles was in everything (6 tackles). His connection with the Daicos boys especially Nick is super-intuitive.
A special mention for Tay Adams who seems to be relishing Mitchell’s presence. Mitchell has made Adams and De Goey more effective players. Both are more involved and tackling more.
The lead increased and at half time Collingwood 13.5 Port 5.4 – plus 49 points.
Third Quarter
The only quarter Port won.
We expected them to come back and they started the quarter well but just made up one goal.
As Ziggy put it “we did what we needed to do.”
The pluses were Cameron’s tackling, the 2 Daicoses, Moore starting to blanket Dixon, Frampton gaining in confidence (though the precision of his kicking needs to improve), Checkers’ mobility, the Hyphen’s endeavor and skill (one forgets he was I think a top 10 draft pick). We thought the Hyphen was superb as an outlet on the wing when we weren’t able to go through the corridor (his aerial athleticism shows why he was picked so high in his draft year). With Ginnivan, McInnes and others waiting for their chance it seems like the Hyphen has stepped up with his place in the team on the line.
Lead reduced to 42 points- Collingwood 15.7 to Port 8.7
Fourth Quarter
For once we went on with it and buried the opposition.
This is a major difference from last year. Except for the opening minutes of Q3 we did not ease off.
We were totally committed and applied unrelenting pressure.
A huge highlight was the Jamie-and-Bobby play in the forward pocket that ended in a goal – sheer magic.
Again, vision, slick handball.
We were sorry Checkers left the ground with what we heard was a dislocated finger. But it gave young Reef McInnes another opportunity and he performed – as he did last week. Jim K gave him a big wrap last year before his shoulder injury. He could be at least as good as Ollie Henry and is potentially a replacement for Jamie when he retires (no hurry Jamie).
Final score 21.9 to Port 9.10 – a victory by 71 points.
To us the big take aways were the increased sustained 4 quarter pressure and determination to chase every ball, every opponent even compared to the high standard set last year.
And the upgraded skill level – especially in ball and foot disposal and always hunting in numbers.
Too early to get carried away but signs of good things ahead.
There were so many contributors and stars.
Our top 5 were Nick, Cameron, Mitchell, Josh and Bobby Hill …and Pendles, Sidey, De Goey, Captain Moore, Jamie and Noble were on the edge of top 5 too.
In the end
3 Nick Daicos
2 Darcy Cameron
1 shared between Mitchell and Josh Daicos
==
COLLINGWOOD 7.2 13.5 15.7 21.9 (135)
PORT ADELAIDE 3.3 5.4 8.7 9.10 (64)
GOALS
Collingwood: Mihocek 3, McCreery 2, Elliott 2, J.Daicos 2, Adams 2, N.Daicos 2, Sidebottom, Mitchell, McStay, McInnes, Hoskin-Elliott, Hill, De Goey, Cox
Port Adelaide: Dixon 3, Marshall 2, Rozee, Georgiades, Farrell, Fantasia
INJURIES
Collingwood: Mihocek (finger)
Port Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Reef McInnes (replaced Brody Mihocek in fourth quarter)
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak (replaced Jase Burgoyne in third quarter)
Crowd: 60,744 at the MCG
Thanks Ziggy and Garry. Beautifully done.
I suspect I will never tire of watching S Pendlebury, under pressure, calculate the x-intercepts and turning point required of a future parabolic arc of the footy, given the chaotic motion of players of all shapes, sizes and teams, and then execute the required handball of the footy in looping majesty – backwards – over his own head – such that it lands precisely in the path of a sprinting N Daicos who doesn’t even need to break stride.