THEY SAID IT: “That’s probably a natural thing to say but it’s not how we think” – Collingwood coach Craig McRae brushes off talk of a premiership hangover after his side slumps to 0-2 in its flag defence.
PLAYERS OF THE ROUND: Sydney’s Isaac Heeney (29 disposals, two goals) and Chad Warner (27 disposals, three goals) produced stunning personal games, while GWS spearhead Jesse Hogan slotted six goals to follow his four in the opening round. Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver was sublime for the Demons.
THE MOMENT: Geelong star Jeremy Cameron logged an early goal of the year contender when he pounced on a loose ball and burst through congestion on a wing. The athletic key forward chipped a kick forward to teammate Brad Close, ran on to receive a return handpass, and kicked truly on the run near the boundary line from about 40 metres before leaping on to the fence and pumping his fist in celebration to his adoring home crowd.
TALKING POINT: After a difficult few months when his future at the Demons appeared on the rocks, Oliver was simply magnificent in Melbourne’s win over the Western Bulldogs. The midfielder racked up 21 first-half disposals to put the Demons in control. He finished with 35 disposals, six clearances and 565 metres-gained and received a standing ovation, which he later described as “emotional”, when he came off near fulltime. Coach Simon Goodwin said he was “in awe” of the midfielder.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Zero. The number of times this century a team has won the premiership after losing their first two games. Sixteen-time AFL/VFL premiers Collingwood have slumped to an 0-2 opening in a flag defence for the second time in history. The other was in 1959, when they finished third and were eliminated in their first final.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Hawthorn skipper James Sicily (kicking), Essendon’s Mason Redman (striking) and Gold Coast’s Malcolm Rosas (headbutting) have been offered one-game bans. Seven other players including Bomber recruit Todd Goldstein (striking) have been offered fines. Dockers forward Michael Walters could be in trouble for a trip on Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich.
INJURIES: J Gibcus (Rich, knee), D Prestia (Rich, hamstring), T Young (Rich, concussion), Z Reid (Ess, hamstring), J Goater (NM, Achilles), L Stocker (StK, back), J McEntee (PA, concussion).
WHAT’S NEXT: Collingwood’s wobbly start faces another test with a Thursday night encounter against St Kilda. Adelaide host Geelong the following night ahead of Saturday fixtures of North versus Fremantle, Hawthorn against Melbourne, and Sydney versus Essendon. On Sunday, the Bulldogs meet Gold Coast in Ballarat, Richmond host Port, and West Coast host the Giants. Brisbane and Carlton have a bye.
Source Agencies
