Pies too hot for brave Bulldogs

Collingwood 21.13 (139) def. Western Bulldogs 16. 9 (105)

Collingwood has defeated the Western Bulldogs, in a high-scoring encounter, by 34 points at the MCG this evening.

The Bulldogs, playing their first match at the iconic football venue since last August, fought hard despite losing two key players along the way, however, the Magpies used their experience from three previous matches this season to surge away after quarter time.

Aussie Rules was the winner as both teams avoided turning to the flooding tactics that has come under so much scrutiny this week. Marks dominated last weekend, however tonight the Bulldogs opted early for handballs instead, racking up a staggering 41 more than Collingwood in the first term.

The Bulldogs were confident going into the game of continuing their winning run against the Magpies - winning both clashes last season, however Collingwood entered the contest as the form team – after belting a lacklustre Geelong team last weekend by 102 points, while Sydney downed the Bulldogs.

Led by Nathan Eagleton (15 touches, two goals), Scott West and Adam Cooney, all of whom had more than 10 first quarter disposals, the Bulldogs kicked six goals. Collingwood though were able to remain in touch, through Chris Tarrant (two goals) and Anthony Rocca, with five goals of their own.

The second quarter saw the Bulldogs lose another player, Robert Murphy, for the remainder of season 2006 to a knee injury. In a freakish tangle of legs with Rocca, Murphy came off second best when the pair hit the turf.

Added to that was the news at half time that Daniel Giansiracusa will be sidelined with a hamstring strain.

Collingwood took a comfortable 20-point lead into the half time break after booting seven goals to three. Leon Davis stepped up, to match Tarrant, in the dying stages with two of the last three majors.

At the main break, Tarrant had four goals, Davis three, while Eagleton and Chris Grant each had two goals for the Bulldogs. Scott West led the possession tally with 20 disposals, while versatile Magpie Shane O’Bree was the best for his team with 17 touches.

Collingwood, through a clever snap by Paul Licuria, jumped out to a 26-point lead early in the third quarter as Murphy was spotted hobbling on crutches towards the interchange bench.

An answering goal from Rohan Smith kept the Bulldogs hopes alive, however Rocca appeared to have closed the door when he slotted through his third and followed up with his fourth two minutes later.

A fourth goal for the quarter, from Alan Didak, saw the Pies lead out to 36 points, seemingly unbeatable the Magpies rested Nathan Buckley. The Bulldogs refused to go down quietly and scored the next four majors that forced Buckley to return earlier than anticipated.

Scott West led the revival which saw the Collingwood lead cut back to just 10 points at three-quarter-time, the Bulldogs went into the last change full of hope again.

Dane Swan gave the Magpies some breathing space with the opening two goals of the final term, while Brad Johnson briefly halted the major onslaught.

Rocca and Didak closed out proceedings with back-to-back goals, while Davis and Blake Caracella both went close only for the woodwork to get in their way. Chris Grant booted his fourth major and the Bulldogs last goal deep into the time-on period.

Scott West finished with an amazing 40 disposals for the losing team, while Lindsay Gilbee and Daniel Cross both finished just shy of 30 each.

Best for Collingwood were Paul Licuria (35 disposals) and Shane O’Bree (31). Dane Swan and Heath Shaw finished off strongly with 29 and 27 respectively.

Next week, the Western Bulldogs host Hawthorn at the Telstra Dome on Saturday afternoon, while Collingwood host the resurgent Brisbane Lions at the MCG later that evening.

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