Collingwood announced itself a contender with big Queen’s Birthday win, writes Mark Robinson
SOME went into the Queen’s Birthday clash thinking Melbourne were walk-up contenders for the premiership. MARK ROBINSON says hours later, nothing is guaranteed — and another challenger has emerged.
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TWO weeks ago, Melbourne folk, sporting puffed chests and drinking bath water, spoke of the anatomy of a deep September list.
On Monday, Melbourne couldn’t beat Collingwood in June.
Six consecutive wins by the Demons can’t be taken away, but what can be after the Pies loss is the widespread acceptance they were walk-up contenders for the premiership.
MATCH: ‘DUSTY-LIKE’ DE GOEY STARS
COACHES: WHAT BUCKS, GOODY SAID
After the MCG disappointment, absolutely nothing is guaranteed.
Those six wins were against Essendon, St Kilda, Gold Coast, Carlton, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs and after the Adelaide game, Demons president Glen Bartlett reportedly declared: “Everyone was saying we hadn’t beaten anyone, well, that’s the end of that story.’’
Well, no it’s not.
The Pies announced itself as a contender with a meritorious 42-point at the MCG and in doing so found an army of admirers and uncovered an army of Demon doubters.
The rollicking win leaves the Magpies at 8-4 after 12 rounds, level on points with the Demons and Geelong.
If those two teams can be considered premiership contenders, then, to borrow a few words from Neale Daniher, why not Collingwood?
Yes, it’s a huge call at the bye break, but not a silly one.
On Monday they delivered a professional, consistent and exciting four quarters of football.
They are an intriguing team, the Pies.
Reviewed and revamped and revitalised for the 2018 season, they have weapons on every line and a belief growing with every victory.
Against the Dees, it was an American and a roustabout who did the most damage, although by the end, most of their teammates were feasting at the MCG for the Queen’s Birthday.
Mason Cox booted five goals and has transformed himself from a curiosity with ambitions to a player with substance.
He kicked two goals in the first quarter when the Pies seriously examined Melbourne, two goals in the third quarter when Melbourne and Collingwood traded goals, and another in the final quarter to end any Melbourne comeback.
He also took eight marks and had eight score involvements, with Oscar McDonald his main opponent.
The roustabout, of course, was Jordan De Goey.
He played mainly midfield and was part a system that saw Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom coming off the back of the square at centre bounces at different times. He also combined with Taylor Adams and Adam Treloar, who continues an outstanding season in the black and white.
No wonder people such as Dermott Brereton have likened De Goey to Richmond’s Dustin Martin.
He had 30 disposals, seven tackles and 12 inside 50s and has that quality that is invaluable but can’t be quantified: Excitement.
When he gets the ball, there’s a collective “what happens now?’’ and although he can miscue the ball, his first quarter was pivotal. He had 10 touches, six inside 50s and the Pies kicked 5.5 to 2.0 and from then, the Demons played catch-up.
The much-hyped battle between Max Gawn and Brody Grundy was telling without being game-shaping. Probably Grundy got the points.
The Pies midfield won their contest within the contest, often running their opposition off their feet from stoppages.
The Demons can be accused of having too many players at or near the contest and it seemed the Magpies seemed to have spares a step back from the contest which enabled that run and carry.
It was a tremendous day for coach Nathan Buckley and Co.
They won in the box and on the scoreboard.
For Melbourne, they had issues at the back dealing with Cox, and thankfully for them, there’s not too many seven-footers to worry about from here on in.
To be honest, several Melbourne players who have shone in recent weeks found the going challenging.
Hibberd, Hogan, Melksham, Petracca and Jetta, among others, had ordinary performances in a game which demanded their best.
They yielded under the heat and although it’s only June, they have to find much more if they are to make deep September.
Not so the Pies. They are up and about, and seriously so.
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