It wasn’t pretty, but the Collingwood Magpies showed plenty of grit to grind out a 33-point victory against the Melbourne Demons in front of more than 68,000 people at the MCG on Monday.
The Magpies prevailed 8.13 (61) to 3.10 (28), the result in doubt until the final quarter as the Demons continued their improvement under coach Paul Roos. But while there was no questioning Melbourne’s run and commitment, poise in front of goal cost last season’s wooden spooners.
The Demons only managed one goal in the second half, while the Magpies conjured five when the game was up for grabs. Collingwood was only up by 10 with a minute to go in the third term, but a blunder by Melbourne youngster Jay Kennedy-Harris gifted Magpies midfielder Dayne Beams six points.
The first major score of the last quarter was always going to be important, and it was Beams who showed his class to split the big sticks again. The Demons had chances to eat into the 22-point deficit, but shots from Kennedy-Harris and Jack Watts missed the target. The Magpies then took control of the match, the victory moving them into the AFL top four.
Clinton Young, with 26 disposals and 13 marks, was arguably Collingwood’s best, while Demons captain Nathan Jones worked tirelessly for his 29 possessions.
In other news, Essendon’s worst fears have been realised with Jobe Watson ruled out for up to 10 weeks after injuring himself against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night. The 2012 Brownlow Medallist will undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon in his hip this week and may not play again this season.
Bombers club doctor Bruce Reid said the unusual injury required a lengthy rehabilitation. “We will not rush him through the recovery process,” he said. “It is important that we do what is right for Jobe both in the short and long term.”
