Match Review:
In a match that promiced so much for so long, Port Adelaide eventually prevailed over Collingwood by 17 points. Many thought that Port would smash Collingwood from the 1st bounce but that was not the case. Through goals to King, O'Bree, Rocca and Jason Cloke, the Pies lead by 15 points over the Power, who were very wayward infront of goal in kicking 1 goal 5 for the quarter.
If any-one thought that Collingwood might lead by 30 or 35 points at 1/2 time, they were very wrong as Port slammed on 6 straight goals including a long bomb from Stuart Dew right on the 1/2 time siren. After Matthew Lokan kicked the 1st of the quarter, Port hit back with 6 goals to none. Only McGough and O'Bree could hold their heads high as the Pies compleatly lost their way. To make matters worse, Scott Burns limped off the field with a hamstring injury and then Ben Johnson came off the field with concussion.
Collingwood had to make an early stand in the 3rd quarter and make a stand they did. The pies peppered the goals without making significent inroads to the Port lead. Didak and Davis put threw some nice goals but as soon as the ball was bounced up again in the middle, the Power answered. Going into the last change, Collingwood was within range of a famous victory.
For a long time in the final quarter, it looked as if Port would again crumble under the weight of the Collingwood charge as the scores were leveled midway through the last quarter. The game looked as if it would follow the trend of 3 other matches this weekend which were all won by 1 point. The defining moment of the game came when Jarrod Poulton had a kick for goal from the half forward flank. He put it through and that goal triggered a mini avalanche of Power goals as Port ran out 17 point winners. They might have lost but they wern't disgraced. The spirit shown by Collingwood was fantastic and a sign of things to come. GO PIES!!!
Player Review:
Leon Davis: 3/10 - Not much of an impact but a nice goal in the 3rd.
Shane Woewodin: 4/10 - Got a bit of the ball but didn't show enough despiration.
Ryan Lonie: 5/10 - Much better this week and showed some run and passion. Good effort.
Alan Didak: 4/10 - Not as good as last week. Quiet.
Brodie Holland: 5/10 - Another consistant game. Nothing special.
James Clement: 6/10 - Did very well again. Such a cool head in defence.
Shane O'Bree: 9.5/10 - Brilliant match! Saves his spot and maybe carrer with a great match. 38 touches and 8 tackles. Well done O'B.
Richard Cole: 5/10 - Nothing special. Showed good despiration.
Shane Wakelin: 5/10 - Tried his best and as professional as ever.
Scott Burns: 2/10 - Good until he injured his hamstring.
Paul Licuria: 8/10 - Great match. Returned to form in a big way!
Guy Richards: 3/10 - Did well as a late inclusion for Fraser. Shoul;d keep his spot.
Anthony Rocca: 4/10 - Tried hard with 3 goals but looked out of sorts.
Ben Johnson: 5/10 - Good until concussed in the second quarter.
Mark McGough: 9/10 - Great match again. Most improved already this year.
Ben Kinnear: 3.5/10 - Tried hard but didn't influence the resalt.
Matthew Lokan: 3/10 - Kicked a nice goal but not much else.
David King: 4/10 - Looked good this week with a nice goal.
Cameron Cloke: 5/10 - Looked impressive until injured.
Jason Cloke: 6/10 - Continued last weeks form and returning to his 2002 form.
Simon Presigiacomo: 2/10 - Quiet match and then injured his shin.
Dane Swan: 7/10 - The find of the season. Very good once again.
Go Pies! Lets smash the Blues next week!![/b]
Pies vs Port: Match Reveiw
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