Pies emerge victorious in thrilling VFL match against Blues: Important insights
Collingwood emerged victorious in an exhilarating showdown against their traditional rivals Carlton at Ikon Park, clinching a narrow one-point win on Sunday.
The match unfolded with constant shifts in momentum, characterized by numerous lead changes. A late point from Ned Long in the dying moments secured the decisive advantage for the Pies.
The game kicked off with a dynamic first quarter, highlighted by Ned Long’s spectacular left-foot snap, marking the initial goal of the match. Ben Crocker’s successful return added to Collingwood’s early momentum with a goal of his own.
The second quarter proved more contentious, with only a solitary goal from Joe Richards contributing to Collingwood’s scoreboard, leaving them trailing by five points at halftime.
A tense third quarter saw both teams fiercely contesting, resulting in five goals for Collingwood, including two from the returning Ben Crocker, setting the stage for a nail-biting final quarter with the margin reduced to just one point.
Collingwood commenced the fourth quarter strongly, scoring three consecutive goals unanswered. However, Carlton mounted a comeback, leading to a thrilling conclusion as the match hung in the balance until the final moments.
In just his third VFL game for Collingwood, midfielder Ryan Sparkes made a significant impact early on, setting the tone with his aggressive tackling and contributing a crucial goal. Finlay Macrae and Ned Long formed a formidable midfield partnership, with Macrae amassing 29 disposals and 10 tackles, while Long continued his impressive form with over 20 disposals for the third consecutive game. Additionally, debutant Cooper Macdonald showcased his defensive prowess with impressive marking, while Ben Crocker’s return bolstered the forward line, adding valuable goals to the team’s tally.
Pies emerge victorious in thrilling VFL match against Blues: Important insights
Defender Oleg Markov exhibited his trademark speed and daring play, contributing significantly to Collingwood’s defensive efforts with 19 disposals and six marks.
