In a match which was so promsing up until 3/4 time, Essendon run away with the match in the last quarter winning by 33 points. The margin didn't do justice to the Magpies, who were right in the contest all day.
Essendon got the jump in the 1st quarter, leading by 25 points at the 1st change with Fraser with their only major but during the second quarter the Maggies got right back on top with goals to McGough, Lokan, Burns, Woewodin and an absolute pearler, or as some would say 'Daicos like' but Alan Didak, who dribbled the ball through the big sticks from the pocket. Throughout the quarter, Collingwood, through McGough, Johnson & Didak got themselves back into the contest, trailing by only 13 points at the long brake.
In the third quarter, both teams went goal for goal in a quarter chock full of highlights. Alan Didak, in a return to form took one of the marks of the year over Andrew Welsh in front of goal and then converting to put the scores level. 'Dids' also provided yet another highlight with a terrific intercept 40 metres out and then converting on the run. Big Anthony Rocca started the quarter well with 2 big goals and providing a real target up forward. But every time Collingwood seemed capable of pulling away from Essendon, the Dons fought back with a quick repliy. 2 goals in a minute from Essendon including the goal with turned the game by Ted Richards gave the Bombers a 16 point lead at 3/4 time and all thje momentum with it. Again, Mark McGough provided the Pies great service through the middle with many a clearance and many of them long driving balls to the 'hot spot' 30 metres out to Anthony Rocca.
It was now or never for Collingwood in terms of the match and had to get the 1st goal but it was the Bombers who wanted the ball more and kicked away with 4 goals for the quarter. McGough with the only major for the Pies.
A dissapointing finish to the match for the Pies, but we can take many positives out of the contest. McGough with 29 disposels gave us some bite around the packs, Jason Cloke came back to form with 5 marks and 17 touches, Alan Didak's return to touch with 3 goals and a big specky and Ben Johnson's never ending run. Come on Pies! With the return of Tarrant nigh, we are a big chance to knock the Power off their high horse. GO PIES!!
Player Reveiw:
Scott Burns: 7/10 - Always at the fall of the ball and gave the team great drive all day.
James Clement: 6/10 - Tried hard on Hird but couldn't hold him for too long. Never gave in.
Cameron Cloke: 4/10 - Gave a contest, which is all he was asked to do. Promising debut and showed endevour.
Jason Cloke: 6/10 - Got some-where near the 2002 form we know and love from Clokey. Worked hard and held his own.
Richard Cole: 4/10 - Gave a contest and provided some run.
Alan Didak: 7.5/10 - Great match! Looked hungry for a goal and showed some Daicos like quallitys. One of the best.
Josh Fraser: 3/10 - Quiet match apart from early goal.
Brodie Holland: 5/10 - Tackled with endevour and chased with ferousity. Good match.
Ben Johnson: 7/10 - Mr Reliable. Great game, never stopped running, gave an option and gave great drive. Great game once again.
David King: 1.5/10 - Hardly sighted.
Paul Licuria: 5.5/10 - Some-where back to his usural form but still a way to go. Never stopped trying.
Matthew Lokan: 4/10 - Good early but faded.
Ryan Lonie: 4/10 - Not much to write home about. Needs to get it and run to get some confidence.
Mark McGough: 9/10 - Why does he feaster down at Williamstown? 29 touches and just piped by Hird for ANZAC Medal. Cemented his spot for the following months.
Shane O'Bree: 4/10 - Tried hard but just can't generate some run.
Simon Prestigiacomo: 3/10 - Quiet match.
Guy Richards: 3/10 - Couldn't get into the match.
Anthony Rocca: 6/10 - Gave an option and threatened to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Running into form.
Rhyce Shaw: 1/10 - Very quiet. VFL beckons.
Dane Swan: 5/10 -Busy game and held his own.
Shane Wakelin: 5/10 - Tried to hold Lloyd but fought a loosing battle all day. Never stopped trying.
Shane Woewodin: 7/10 - Solid game and did well. Getting into form and fittness.
Dons to good...
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