Do you really want to be the supporter of a club in the finals? The nervous tension. The heart palpitations as they miss goals. As they look like loosing. When the other team make a comeback after being behind for so long. It has to be difficult to be a Collingwood supporter right now.
Honestly they should be used to it by now. So many games decided by a goal or three. Saturday nights game against Fremantle was without doubt. Or was it? Collingwood had the yips in front of goal in the second half. Surely the fans got worried?
No Worries, Farewell Mundy
There was not much to worry about though. Collingwood had the game style and players to run all night if they had to. They almost had to. A win of twenty points certainly was not evident of the onslaught that Collingwood brought. And the Magpie faithful in attendance knew it.
For Fremantle there were no answers and few winners. While there were moments when a comeback looked plausible, the result was never in doubt. Fremantle bids goodbye to the finals and farewell to their games record holder David Mundy.
David Mundy was wished well on field by family, teammates and opponents. Far from the romantic end with a Grand Final, but an end on the MCG in front a full house. Solid and humble he waved goodbye to football. We wish him and his family well.
Melbourne Pressure Lost
Melbourne and Brisbane met under a different scenario. Melbourne the previous years victor. Brisbane once relocated Lions searching for a rare win at the MCG. A win that has the Lions returning this coming Friday to face Geelong.
Melbourne have questions to ask. Was 2021 a flash in the pan? The pressure and contest across the ground was less than required. Where is the Melbourne of 2021 who could pile the pressure on from first quarter to last? It has been seen sporadically this year. How do Melbourne bring it back?
Brisbane fought well, they had winners across the park. Melbourne were unable to contain and lacked the scoreboard pressure. Missed opportunities in front of goal were costly. At the other end Charlie Cameron and Eric Hipwood were accurate and potent kicking seven of Brisbane’s 14 goals for the match.
Geelong Cats Versus Brisbane Lions
Brisbane move on to the next opponent, Geelong. A week off can be detrimental to certain players. Though it is doubtful that Geelong will not prepare as best they can. Brisbane are battle hardened from wins only die hard fans thought possible. Are they now emboldened to dream of Grand Finals to come?
Geelong have been atop the table for most of the year. They showed just how highly they considered their younger players by starting club champions Selwood and Dangerfield on the bench. Geelong believe they have a strong and flexible lineup. On that has only gotten stronger over the season.
Geelong played poorly a fortnight ago. Leading by a goal over Collingwood just in time for the siren. Another performance like that may not provide the same result. Winning is habit hard to gain and quickly lost. Geelong should be the favourite. Lions have roared before on the MCG and it could happen again.
Geelong to win
Sydney Swans Versus Collingwood Magpies
Saturday sees Sydney host Collingwood. Recently Collingwood lost to Sydney at the SCG in round 22. The SCG is a different ground to the MCG, smaller and with less Collingwood fans in attendance. It was not the deciding factor though.
Sydney have a system, a way to play, one that has progresses and changes over time. 2022 Sydney system is of a winning quality. Good defence, backed up by contested possession and skilful passing. Good by foot and hand, with a great mix of experience and youth.
Unlike Collingwood there is less of a risk in the Sydney plan. Collingwood look to play through the centre of the ground. They chance an intercept mark by running it the shortest way hoping to scatter the opponent and catch defensive players out of position.
Sydney will slow the game down when they need to. Sydney will switch the play and go wide when they have to. On the smaller SCG they can corral Collingwood and force the turn over. It does appear to be Risk/Reward of Collingwood versus Sydney’s strategic planning.
Sydney to win
Phillip Hall has been too long in Melbourne to see AFL in the same light as those back in Fremantle. East Fremantle born and bred, he would love to see the Dockers back in the eight. But would settle for just beating West Coast twice a year.