COLLINGWOOD 4.2 5.8 7.12 8.13 (61)
NORTH MELBOURNE 4.3 9.6 12.9 13.13 (91)
North Melbourne have overcome their Collingwood hoodoo, winning by 30 points and cementing their spot in the top eight.
After a slow start the Kangaroos controlled the game in a telling performance that showed that they are now capable of beating top four sides and will be a force to be reckoned with come September.
North’s win evolved from the midfield which was not only able to match that of the Pies but thoroughly beat it. Their three tall forwards also had a day out, thriving on mismatches. Finally their ability to hold onto the ball and deprive Collingwood ensured they were always in control.
Collingwood will be extremely disappointed with their efforts. They applied little pressure, constantly lost one one ones around the ground and butchered the ball especially going forward. Most of this could be put down to the Roo’s pressure and desire.
Brent Harvey was the stand out player of the night with 33 possessions. His run and carry tore open the Pies while his work rate to provide an option to his team mates was first class.
He was joined in the midfield by Ben Cunnington whose 11 contested possessions and 11 tackles were decisive in the clinches . While Todd Goldstein gave North first hands as he dominated Darren Jolly. Scott Thompson’s efforts cannot be ignored either, he was brilliant in shutting out Travis Cloke.
The only consolation for Collingwood was Dayne Beams’ performance. After signing a contract mid week he continued his outstanding form with 38 disposals and two goals.
Collingwood started the game like house on fire kicking the first four goals. They were all over the Roos and a repeat of previous performances looked on the cards.
However North slowed the game down and held possession. This not only killed the Pies momentum but started their own. They went on to kicked the next four and their talls Hanson, Petrie and Tarrant all chipped in with one each.
In the second quarter Collingwood started well again, but this time they couldn’t hit the scoreboard, Jarryd Blair’s solitary goal all they had to show for it.
Just as they did before the Kangaroos steadied then surged ahead. This time they managed five unaswered goals with Tarrant slotting two.
After the half the Pies continued the pattern kicking the first through Sinclair. As a testament to their determination North Melbourne kicked the next two capitalising on Collingwood mistakes.
Despite the all pressure they were applying and clearances were wining North just couldn’t finish the job in the third. Beams brought the Pies closer but Ziebell’s goal before the siren steadied the ship.
The last quarter was irrelevant with only two goals kicked. Petrie kicked his third for North and Pendlebury kicked the first for the Pies. Collingwood tired to make a final push but as they had bee all night North Melbourne were just too good.
Votes
3) Brent Harvey
2) Ben Cunnington
1) Scott Thompson
GOALS
Collingwood: Beams 2, Tarrant, Fasolo, Didak, Blair, Sinclair, Pendlebury,
North Melbourne: Tarrant 3, Thomas 3, Petrie 3, Hansen 2, Garlett, Ziebell
BEST
Collingwood: Beams, Blair, Pendlebury, Thomas, Sidebottom
North Melbourne: Harvey, Cunnington,Thompson, Goldstein, Petrie,
INJURIES
Collingwood: Toovey (corked thigh), replaced in selected side by Mooney, Mooney (ankle), Maxwell (hip flexor)
North Melbourne: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Nick Maxwell replaced by Caolan Mooney at three-quarter time
North Melbourne: Cruize Garlett replaced by Matthew Campbell in the third quarter
Official crowd: 44,956 at Etihad Stadium
