Just like the Magpies of previous
The Collingwood obituary being penned at quarter-time on the MCG on Saturday needed to be ripped up on the lengthy break. In different phrases, the demise of Collingwood’s title defence had been tremendously exaggerated.
They had been coming off an in depth escape towards Hawthorn within the Collect Spherical, and seemed headed for humiliation for an up-and-about Port Adelaide aspect. They had been too sluggish, too drained and missing any starvation. There was no approach they may win this 12 months’s flag, not to mention make the highest 4.
However gamers being retired after their heavy-legged opening time period – Scott Pendlebury, 36, Steele Sidebottom, 32, and Tom Mitchell, 30 – out of the blue discovered their toes. Retirement? Give all of them one other 12 months.
A season that heading in direction of a mediocre 2-4 begin throughout the opening six rounds, was out of the blue squared at 3-3. They weren’t lifeless and buried, that they had simply obtained again later from their bye. They won’t but be the Magpies of 2023 – who belted Port Adelaide by 71 factors on the MCG in spherical two final 12 months – however there’s now a well-known ring.
Collingwood v Port Adelaide.Credit score: Getty
Nick Daicos is again accumulating possessions, Jordan De Goey is again to his bullocking greatest, Pendlebury is directing visitors, and there’s quick and certain rebounding from defence by way of their wings – Sidebottom, Jack Crisp and Josh Daicos. Ruck duo of Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron are offering another goal up ahead, easing the aerial load on Brody Mihocek.
The Magpies got here again from their bye 1 / 4 late, or so it appeared, however as soon as on track, they turned a 31-point deficit throughout the second quarter right into a complete win.
It units up a mouth-watering Anzac Day conflict towards an up-and-about Essendon.
An unlikely hero
Don’t overlook your wingman. The customarily-maligned Will Hoskin-Elliott offered a much-needed spark within the second quarter with a objective -hanger and an ensuing objective. It fired the Magpie Military into voice, and his teammates into motion.
Hoskin-Elliott doesn’t win weekly accolades. He’s a fringe participant, who appears to be ceaselessly clinging to a future, and preventing for yearly contracts.
On Saturday on the MCG, he definitely earned one other verify. He was up and down the bottom, offering a significant hyperlink. He’s quick, he can bounce and he’s an correct kick.
When the tide turned, small forwards Jamie Elliott, Bobby Hill and Patrick Lipinski reaped the advantages of his early work.
Port midfield loses its efficiency
Can somebody put out a lacking individuals memo? On the lookout for three Port Adelaide midfielders – misplaced after quarter time on the MCG on Saturday afternoon, April 20.
Connor Rozee, Jason Horne-Francis and Zak Butters had been the envy of each coach once they torched Essendon throughout the Collect Spherical. However, aside from Butters’ 15 possessions within the first quarter towards Collingwood, they’ve gone lacking.
Collingwood v Port Adelaide.Credit score: Getty
Their lack of possessions starved the Energy forwards, and their lack of strain made it robust for his or her defenders. Resting Charlie Dixon was a moot level ultimately. No provide. Though his alternative Jordon Candy was soundly crushed by Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron.
Ken Hinkley and Port Adelaide would do effectively to overlook concerning the Collingwood drubbing and focus on their Friday night time conflict at residence towards St Kilda.
