The Rivalry Continues! | Thebigtip

Let the 'Grand Rivalry' begin! Collingwood are number one with Carlton as number two and the fans and the AFL couldn't ask for anything more, but did it live up to the standings?

Its early days into the season with teams sorting their players, old and new, into their most effective roles. Carlton have had a reasonably good start but opponents Richmond and the newly formed Gold Coast were probably no real match for the much improved Blue Boys. Collingwood have had a similar start with no real competition in Port Adelaide and North Melbourne. Both teams will be having their first real test for the season.

I will attempt to write while watching the game, reporting at the conclusion of each quarter. Being in Sydney, unfortunately there is no Foxtel at present I will have to wait in seclusion until 1130 when the game is replayed on Channel 7.

1st Quarter: Coll 4.2.26  Carl 4.3.27

Intense start by both clubs particularly Carlton leading the way in contested possessions as well as tackles. Seemed the Blues have taken the 'Woods on in all aspects of the game in the beginning and the end of the quarter. Swan was running his usual game collecting 8 possessions while Judd was at his attacking best. Collingwood were rushed for time early with hurried kicks out of pressured situations gaining no real continuous possessions. Midway through the first term and the 'Woods were able to turnover the ball from a few nervous mistakes by some of the younger Carlton backmen, gaining possessions and control resulting in two quick goals through Blair seeing Collingwood lead by 3 goals. Just when one might suspect the black & white would begin their reign of goal terror, the Carlton boys rallied and pressed forward more positively helped by their marking power up forward to take a one point lead. Judd was effective in this recovery as was Robinson, Yarran and Simpson, accompanied by the immense speed of Garlett.

2nd Quarter: Coll 9.7 61  Carl 5.4.34

The second half began with a struggle from both sides which ended up swinging Collingwood's way with their constant pressure, high work rate and outstanding small forwards making opportunites. Krakouer, Sidebottom, Beams, Blair as well as Didak along with Cloke's marking and pushing up the ground gave them the edge. Maxwell, who looked a little timid in the first quarter, began to make himself known along with Johnson, Shaw and Reid. Carlton were keeping Collingwood from their flow on game during most of the quarter but with the Pies belief and constant forward momentum, along with their excellent ability to trap the ball in their forward 50, allowed them to make the most of their opportunities.

3rd Quarter: Coll 12.8.80  Carl 8.5.53

Carlton came out running as they did in the first quarter and put two early goals on to cut their deficit to only 15pts. Judd and Robertson again were instrumental in creeping their side back into the game. Unfortunately when they went forward within 20m from being able to score a free kick was given Collingwood's way and a snide comment by Simpson made it an extra 50m which in turn resulted in a Collingwood breaking the mold and changing the momentum to again score and gain control of the game. Gibbs made his way with a few possessions and a goal, Robertson continued with his good form for the game, but Betts still was nowhere to be seen. In contrast, Blair has kicked 5 goals adding 2 more in the third.

4th Quarter: Coll 15.12 102  Carl 11.8.74

Moving into the last quarter the game looked more open with the ball flowing both ways a little easier, perhaps more Collingwood;s way with Dawes and Cloke taking more marks, goals and creating more inside 50's.  As the quarter progressed it seemed Carlton had resigned to losing and Collwingwood were just plying along, converting just enough to stay at arms length of losing the game. Carlton played well most of the game, just a little behind the Magpies on work rate and contested possessions.

Summary

Collingwood won quite easily overall but being the top team and the AFL yard stick, I believe they need to be doing a little more than just winning games. They were challenged a little tonight but the last quarter seemed more like a practice match than a win and bury. It is nice to win and have the luxury of winning when you please, but it can become a little bit of a habit, taking the foot off the pedal. A time may come when suddenly a real contender will challenge their dominance of a game and not being able to peg them back. Carlton did have many positives with their tackling and contested possessions early along with a number of young players such as Watson and Robertson taking it up to the league leader.

Tips for the rest of the Round

Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Adelaide, West Coast, Melbourne, Geelong, Essendon.