'Pies fork the Hawks

Collingwood 16.17 (113) def. Hawthorn 11. 2 (68)

Collingwood’s march towards September action continued tonight, easily defeating Hawthorn by 45 points at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

It was the Magpies’ 11th win of the season, now within a game of confirming a place in the Finals for the first time since the infamous 2003 Grand Final appearance.

For Hawthorn, it was another blight on a rather ordinary season, which began well after winning four of the first five matches. However, since round five the Glenferrie based club has only managed one win - over a lacklustre Richmond - during the split round.

Alan Didak earned the best on ground honours with 25 disposals and was assisted by Nathan Buckley, who played his 250th game for the club and finished with 19 touches. Others amongst the Magpies best included the Cloke brothers, Travis and Jason, Leon Davis and James Clement.

Hawthorn’s better players in the defeat were Shane Crawford (31 disposals), Luke Hodge (26 touches, 15 contested), Sam Mitchell and Joel Smith.

The match was promoted during the week as Zac’s revenge, with Hawks’ young fullback Zac Dawson eager to atone for the humiliation he endured back in Round two on the big burly Collingwood forward Anthony Rocca.

The pair lined up on each other at the opening bounce, however, Rocca outclassed the rookie fullback again, using his games experience, height and weight to full advantage.

Collingwood began the match the stronger, and kicked the opening four goals through Travis Cloke, Heath Shaw, Rocca and a dubious 50-metre penalty that was awarded to Tarkyn Lockyer.

The Magpies took a comfortable 33-point lead into the first change despite the Hawks evoking flooding tactics to halt the momentum. While Lockyer had the bearded burbler bellowing out the tune of “it’s over”, Buckley ensured Hawthorn were in for a long evening a couple of minutes before the quarter time break.

The night didn’t get any better for Hawthorn early in the second term with Buckley and Tarrant both going close to extended the margin beyond six goals. However, both sent their shots wide of the major sticks.

An errant push from Magpie fullback Clement on John Barker handed the Hawks’ their first goal from directly infront. The ‘Pies best player in the first half – Travis Cloke – booted his second goal following an assist inside 50 by Ben Davies.

The Hawks’ rallied mid-way through the term with former skipper Crawford, who kicked two majors back-to-back. However, Collingwood charged away late in the term with a five unanswered goals.

Didak started the rout, while Rocca finished it in the shadows of half time with his third major. Collingwood took a 56-point lead into the major interval, seemingly destroying the Hawks in the 11-minute time on period.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle, with the ball going from end to end without any major scoring for the opening 10 minutes. Collingwood moved closer to the century through Buckley and Didak, while the Hawks continued to struggle despite Grant Birchall booting the first major of the term after only 25 seconds.

Hawthorn was down to 21 players following the news that Trent Croad collapsed in the sheds during half time. Barker reduced the Pies advantage to 10 goals, while Campbell Brown was given a second shot on goal for the Hawks’ sixth just before three quarter time.

With time running out Collingwood played keepers’ off to ensure the Hawks could not pinch a fourth goal. At the final change, the ‘Pies held a 54-point lead.

Hawthorn made a fast start to the final quarter with two quick goals from Mitchell and Jordan Lewis. However, Didak replied for the ‘Pies, who lost Davis with a ankle injury in the ninth minute.

The Hawks won the second half, narrowly winning the third term by two points and convincingly the fourth with five goals to three. Lance Franklin kicked the last two Hawk goals, while Rocca finished the game with his fourth goal after the siren.

Next week, Collingwood take on the premiership favourites, the Adelaide Crows, at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, while Hawthorn venture to Subiaco for a clash with finals contender Fremantle on Sunday afternoon.

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