Post match - Pies wallop Weagles. All comments.

[Robert Walls (not really)]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/ ... 22,00.html

Pies' youth rally makes Mick happy
23 July 2006 Sunday Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD'S resurgence as a premiership prospect revolves around the efforts of its young, unsung heroes, coach Mick Malthouse said last night.

But Malthouse stopped short of declaring Collingwood had emerged from a form slump that has seen the team slip as a genuine flag fancy.

After beating the West Coast Eagles at Telstra Dome, Malthouse said Collingwood's younger players held the key to a top-four finish.

``All of the first and second-year players really gave us something today,'' he said. ``We should never shy away from the commitment and raw enthusiasm of young players.''

Malthouse claimed it was no coincidence that his younger players also dominated in the club's important win against Sydney in Round 12.

Conceding that the Magpies' confidence had slumped to a season low after recent defeats, Malthouse said the 37-point win, fuelled by inspirational Nathan Buckley in his 150th game as captain, would lift the side's confidence in the run into the finals.

Forced to withdraw Paul Licuria before the game and without the injured Shane Wakelin in the second half, Malthouse said the stakes could not have been higher after four defeats in five games.

But with Josh Fraser dominating in the ruck with 26 hit-outs and Dane Swan, Heath Shaw and Dale Thomas all making important contributions, Collingwood proved hungrier when it counted.

Malthouse last night bristled at suggestions enigmatic Chris Tarrant, who kicked four goals, had been overdue to play a good game.

``He's had one bad game and certain sections of the media want to rip him apart,'' Malthouse said. ``Chris Tarrant's work ethic is as high as any I have seen.

``Those sorts of players are going to have good and bad days.''

While Wakelin will miss Friday night's game against Hawthorn, Licuria (general soreness) will be in contention as well as Nick Maxwell, who will play with Williamstown in the VFL today.

Malthouse said the defeats to Richmond, St Kilda and Fremantle had eroded the self-belief within the player group.

``The coaching staff has got to have confidence in the playing group but it's more important the player group has confidence in themselves,'' Malthouse said.

``This was something that was needed and it may well be a reinforcement.''

West Coast suffered another injury setback with Adam Hunter suffering a medial ligament strain which is likely to sideline him until the eve of the finals.

Chris Judd jarred his knee in an early tackle and had it bandaged after the game.

Eagles coach John Worsfold said the unwanted headlines involving ruckman Michael Gardiner had not affected his team's focus.

``We're pretty disappointed about it,'' he said. ``But we have taken what we think is the right decision.''

[Carringbush72]

Excellent performance, DESPITE the umpiring.

All the players who have been struggling fired up.

Memo to Judd- You are weak as urine, and will never be half the player Nathan Buckley is.

GO PIES.

Fair's fair mate... we won the game... but Judd is a champion. That call is extremely harsh.

[dalyc]

Excellent performance, DESPITE the umpiring.

What are you on about? Frees were two to one in our favour.

[dalyc]

My first post, and what a sweet one it is.... riiiiiiiiiper pies

I'm a nerd

[dalyc]

Very happy with Egan a couple of errors but he is inexperienced
Chad retire
Lonie you are still very very soft
Thomas a future star
Travis got better as game went on
Great play by the usual suspects
Tarrant is back
Rocca not your best game

The best summation of the game I've read.

[Harvey]

My first post, and what a sweet one it is.... riiiiiiiiiper pies

I'm a nerd

damn u dalyc. got in before me

[Robert Walls (not really)]

This place is Nerd's heaven.

[Cathalyst]

Settle down boys, I may or may not have doctored my picture

[Robert Walls (not really)]

Correction, She is Nerd Heaven.

[die4pies]

Settle down boys, I may or may not have doctored my picture

...REMOVED....I realy should not have said that

[Harvey]

lol

say it again

[raymond35]

Excellent performance, DESPITE the umpiring.

What are you on about? Frees were two to one in our favour.

Two of our frees stopped Collingwood goals. Its not the number, its where they come, and when you are first to the ball and totally outplaying your opponents you should get the frees (not that the umpires in the 1990 gf were aware of this.)

[raymond35]

Excellent performance, DESPITE the umpiring.

All the players who have been struggling fired up.

Memo to Judd- You are weak as urine, and will never be half the player Nathan Buckley is.

GO PIES.

Fair's fair mate... we won the game... but Judd is a champion. That call is extremely harsh.

Its harsh, but i'm sick to death of the hype this bloke gets, comments like "greatest player ever". He's a highly skilled fast midfielder, who doesnt like physical pressure, just like a hundred other players over the years.

[johno]

Is it me,or does anybody else notice that Lockyer seeme totally confused when he gets the ball...like why did you give it to me..what am i supposed to do with it.


Morrison has got to go..can't see any other club wanting him..be kind to yourself,Chad,retire now.

? how many tackles did
Thomas make,crucial ones as well.

well done

[Snoop Dog]

Mick did the right thing pulling Licuria and replacing him with Davies, I thought Davies was very good along with Thomas. Presti, Johno, HS, Fraser, Holland and Buckley were good 4 qtr players and I thouhgt Burns last half was sensational.

Interesting to see Lockyer played further up the ground which seemed to suit.

Thought Lonie had a poor first qtr but was good in the last 3. Staker did not see much of it.

Morrison was horrendous but generally kept Embly pretty quiet.

The win was just that hard tackling and running that we have been missing.