The Collingwood Magpies have provided a strong four quarters to sink the early season hopes of the St. Kilda Saints 21.14.140 – 10.6.66 at the MCG on Friday night.
A 12-goal first quarter split down the middle had many fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation of a good close match. St. Kilda out-worked and out-tackled the Pies in the opening quarter, but Collingwood were still able to make the most of their fewer chances in front to keep scores close at 38-39 to the Saints.
“We need to get back [in defence] and support a bit more,” commented St. Kilda coach Alan Richardson at quarter time, clearly happy with his sides performance offensively.
The coach knew exactly what to worry about. The Saints failed to gel in the second quarter and the Pies countered. Collingwood kicked their largest half-time lead (30) since the 2012 season converting 6 from 10 scoring shots (6.4.40) to St. Kilda’s 1 from 2 (1.1.7).
Dane Swan was electric in the midfield for the Pies. Along with in-doubt captain Scott Pendlebury. Swan controlled the ball tallying 16 first half disposals and 12 kicks. Pendlebury showed little discomfort from the ankle niggle that threatened to keep him out of the match.
“I’m going alright mate,” Swan commented at the half break when asked about his opinion on the great half of play.
“The body feels as good as it’s felt for years,” Swan said.
In a dismal half of footy for the seemingly rejuvinated Saints only 20 points were added (3.2.20). Missing their captain Nick Riewoldt who was a late withdrawal with a calf strain the Saints struggled to keep up with the Magpies inside 50 penetration led by Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliot, Pendlebury and Swan.
Elliot kicked three goals in the third quarter to add to his total of 4.0 for the match. Elliot was flashy and leapt high in the forward fifty taking a spectacular clanger that had the crowd on their feet.
Cloke used his size and experience to kick his way to a game-high 5.4 goals. While there was still some inconsistency with Cloke’s kicking accuracy, his ability to shake defenders and mark uncontested kept the Saints defenders on their heels.
Collingwood totalled 77 inside 50’s for the match. A telling statistic that exposes the issues across the field for St. Kilda. Dane Swan tallied 15 inside 50’s, only 1 less than the highest ever recorded in AFL history.
The 74- point victory was welcomed by coach Nathan Buckley who was pleased with the midfield output.
“Ultimately our spread of contributors was the most encouraging thing,” Buckley commented after the match.
Collingwood had 8 players with 20+ disposals and 10 players with 10+ uncontested possessions in a match that fans will be hoping can swing the momentum towards a positive season for the Pies.
