The hard hitting and opinionated Taber has returned (late!) with a review of the weekend’s semi finals. Controversially, he has adopted a new format – without asking anyone – which has placed an inordinate amount of pressure on the Swans Blog to Run the Taber Talk over two parts. Cocky bastard.
Magpies Do Extra Well After Scores Level at Full Time
We all know footy’s a team game. My reports of late have had a focus on individuals and again it is so. Come finals cometh the man, or more to the point for this review, the men.
On Friday night the Magpies met an Eagles outfit weakened by injuries to Judd, Kerr and Cousins. It’s the 2nd time ever extra time has been needed to decide a winner in a Final.
In a memorable match the Magpies kicked 3.3 to two behinds in the two five-minute periods after full-time to win 13.15 (93) to 10.14 (74).
A critical factor in the outcome of this game was the decision of Eagles coach, John Worsfold, to rest full back, Darren Glass, late in the 3rd term. Glass had been virtually impassable at full back repelling almost every ball coming in his zone. Resting him opened the door for the Pies. Travis Cloke goaled and Rocca took full advantage of Glass’ absence, kicking two goals from strong marks. This got the Magpies back in a contest they eventually deserved to win.
Another unusual element to this game were the errors made by the reliable pair of Buckley and Clement.
Good signs for Collingwood were the young guns standing tall in the end and the 38 possessions by the unnoticeable workaholic, Dane Swan (Ed’s note: how good are the Swans?).
The night also continued the extraordinary finals history between these two teams, following their draw in 1990 (Collingwood won the replay under the old system) and a two-point win to the Eagles in 1992.
COLLINGWOOD – 13.15 (93) def WEST COAST 10.14 (74)
