Another finals nightmare for Craig
September 13, 2009
By
Les Everett
Collingwood vs Adelaide...
ADELAIDE were too slick for a bumbling Collingwood early in their semi final at the MCG and by early in the second quarter led a low-scoring game by 30 points. By three quarter time the Magpies were 10 points in front and, despite losing the lead twice in the final quarter somehow managed to win a classic by five points.
Why, what and how will be words that come into Adelaide coach Neil Craig's mind often over the long summer as he tries to understand this one. Why did Ben Rutten think it was necessary to hold on to an out of position John Anthony who had barely been able to touch the ball for the whole game? Who knows, but he did and Anthony kicked the winning goal from the free kick. How did Adelaide manage to lose after disposing of the ball more than 100 times more than Collingwood? Why did the Crows suddenly start missing targets, including the big sticks in the second half? How did Ben Johnson kick two goals? How could Adelaide keep Paul Medhurst, John Anthony, Leon Davis and Alan Didak to one goal between them and still lose?
With a bit of luck the Crows might still have done it. There were a couple of posters and the very first kick at goal for the night decided not to bounce through but backwards. However the win showed the value of perseverance. The Magpies kept running and kept trying. Davis, Didak and Brad Dick all started slowly but all came back to provide important contributions. Anthony did almost nothing but that was enough and Leigh Brown also did little but kicked a vital goal in the last quarter. With many stars down or absent Steele Sidebottom became the midfielder Collingwood needed.
Collingwood 12.11 (83) Adelaide 11.12 (78).
• Ben Johnson and Heath Shaw of Collingwood celebrate on the final siren of the AFL 1st Semi Final between Collingwood and Adelaide at the MCG. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham. The Slattery Media Group
Add A Comment
September 13, 2009, 1:12 pm
Rick Kane
Yes Les, Craig finishes the season with more questions than answers.
As I said to my young fella, goals win matches. Adelaide kicked one goal in two quarters, after a steller start.
As for me, disregard my recent post where I opined that the Crows would win the flag. I reckon I'll put opinions aside and just enjoy the watching the last four sides battle it out.
Cheers