Chris Mayne finally got the chance to silence his detractors against Richmond
IT had been 25 weeks since Collingwood’s $2 million man Chris Mayne had played senior football. ELIZA SEWELL looks at his return to the top level and if he has done enough to keep his spot.
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THE irony was hard to miss.
Collingwood, suddenly the buzz team, three wins on the trot, Bucks a genius, and who’s back in the team? Chris Mayne, the $2 million punchline on the gag that was Collingwood 2017. The Magpies’ new favourite whipping boy.
All harsh sentiments, but it’s what the Collingwood people say.
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And of course it’s unfair. By dint of non-selection he hasn’t had the chance to silence his detractors, he played just three games last season.
So now, on a sun drenched MCG, on Showdown Sunday in front of 72,000, what’s he got?
He started at half forward and it didn’t take long for him to be in the action, for all the wrong reasons. As he was departing his unsuccessful contest with Alex Rance deep in the Magpies’ attack he crossed the mark and gave away a 50m penalty. He copped a rustle of that curly hair.
He was working hard, he spread from the members wing to the outer wing and won the free kick. The Bronx cheers followed. A good kick set-up a shot for Mason Cox.
Mayne was taken high by Bachar Houli near goal and he had a shot 30m out straight in front and missed. That doesn’t help.
He was running both ways, plugging holes in defence when required.
Six touches in the opening term. The Magpies were in the game and so was Mayne.
He went quiet from then.
Midway through the third quarter he moved to the wing for the first time.
Because he was playing a defensive role, when the Magpies cleared he was always behind the play and chasing to get up the ground and into the contest.
He just couldn’t find the ball. Gee he ran, but on the occasion he demanded the ball, only once was he in the right spot.
It’s hard to see Mayne playing ahead of Travis Varcoe, who needed a break because of the Magpies four-day break.
In fact, it’s hard to see him having more impact on a game than small forward Alex Fasolo, who was over looked by Nathan Buckley.
But he had his chance and that’s all you can ask a coach for. And surely, with a contract until the end of 2020, it won’t be another 25 weeks until his next senior game.
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Originally published as Chris Mayne finally got the chance to silence his detractors against Richmond
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