R1 – Sydney v Collingwood – The Four Quarters

HB Meyers·
AFL Season 2024

In the 2022 Finals Series, it was the Sydney Swans hanging on to defeat the team that won the close ones all season.

The Pies came hard at them, but Sydney held on to win by a point.

Collingwood got their revenge in 2023, knocking over Sydney in the return bout, cruising to a 29-point win at the MCG in Round Eight. The Swans were struggling after their Grand Final defeat and the Pies made sure they swooped in to make things worse.

Coming into this game, there were plenty of stories to cover.

Brodie Grundy was coming up against the team where he made his name – his battle against Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox would be on the minds of many.

The Sydney midfielders were in apparent disarray, with Callum Mills, the newly-acquired Taylor Adams, Luke Parker, and now Angus Sheldrick all sidelined. A lot was to be asked of James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden, and Chad Warner.

The Pies were unfurling their premiership flag amid criticism they were still busy celebrating the 2023 season, whilst their defence looked rather disorganised against the Giants in Round Zero, with Nathan Murphy out and no one really usurping his role.

Yes, there were plenty of stories to watch unfold as these two contenders lined up to renew acquaintances at the MCG.

How did it play out? Who starred? Who were the unsung heroes? And who let the team down?

Well, that’s what I am here to let you know with our quarter-by-quarter review.

 

 

Oh what? A Mongrel paywall? Yep, my game reviews are behind the wall – sometimes I open them up after a day. Sometimes, I don’t. I like to give members value for their money. I believe my work is worth twenty-five cents per day. If you don’t, that’s fine. You’re welcome to join and keep reading if you do.

JOIN NOW
Choose Subscription
Select Your Payment Cycle
Select Your Payment Cycle
Select Your Payment Cycle
BECOME A MONGREL
    Strength: Very Weak
    Select Your Payment Gateway
    How you want to pay?
    Enter Coupon Code
    Payment Summary

    Your currently selected plan : , Plan Amount :
    Coupon Discount Amount : , Final Payable Amount:
     

    Previous ArticleRound One: Carlton v Richmond – The Big Statements
    Next ArticleAFL Horoscopes – Round One
    HB Meyers

    Related Posts

    10 Responses

    1. I think the “on the fence” RE Daicos, in my opinion, is more because when you watch a game, the commentary is constantly singing sea-poems about his play, even when it’s just basic stuff he’s doing (you can almost hear Richo salivating). And then it’s silence when he gets caught on the ball or kicks an absolute worm-burner. It’s fatiguing. He’s clearly so talented, but it’s like a really good song; if it’s overplayed, you just feel a bit meh about it after a while.

      Reply

      1. Agree there is a reason why the television coverage is muted in our house. The inability of commentators to call the game in a way that suggests they are professional sportscasters not half cut Collingwood supporters (except Luke hodge who is a leader not a syncophant)
        End of rant

        Reply

    2. The score actually flattered the Pies.
      Moore is playing more like the third tall than the main key defender. He is not leading his backline.
      Take Naicos out of the midfield and the Pies might have been done by a ton.
      Like your comment about playing for frees. Many players do it to some extent but the umps were absolutely conned by those examples.
      That might be the best pressure game I’ve seen the Swans play. Relentless.
      Scores from turnovers. OMG.
      Great start to the season and hopefully 7-0 when we reach the Giants!

      Reply

    3. Chris yours and my team could be both 7-0 when we meet at the SCG and I hope that Toby G, has a repeat performance from last year.

      By the way, where were all the Magpie Army?
      22 000 empty seats – after being toweled by the Mighty Giants, they must have sensed that South were going to repeat the result.

      Fabulous to see that the Sydney teams and the Goldies are on top.

      Collingwood fans will wise up to the fact that 2-minute Bobby Hill, is about all you’ll get from that fellow.
      He had his best game for Collingwood in the Grand Final, but don’t expect that energy or output week after week.

      Amongst my circle of friends we refer to Brayshaw, Taylor and Richardson as: Eeyore, Boring and the Echo.
      One because he is always shouting nonsense.
      Two because he just repeats the same rubbish over and over, each week.
      Three because he just agrees and repeats the nonsense spouted by the first two.

      Reply

      1. Magnificent post! I too watch with the sound off.
        Really looking forward to our match. Sadly I’ll be in Azerbaijan.

        Reply

    4. Certainly! Here’s a refined version:

      What about Lachie Schultz? The Magpies brought him in for a reason, and his first goal last night—two in total—really underscored his new role on the team when all the players rushed to congratulate him. Is he a key player, or will he become more significant as he plays more games and finds his rhythm? Or is he simply caught up in the team’s exuberant celebration of their 2023 premiership? Would it have been better for him to stay with Fremantle and maintain his previous form?

      Reply

    6. I watched the game with my 94 year old father who has dementia. He kept saying ” Who are these idiots?” about the commentary team.
      I agreed with him every time.

      Reply

    7. So much to agree with here. The only thing I’d add is that I don’t think it’s just deGoey that looks sluggish. Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Moore, Howe, all looked tired. I know wingers can be peripheral, but there’s no excuse for Sidebottom and Josh Daicos combining for zero tackles is pretty dreadful.

      Reply

    8. The continued sickening bias towards Vic clubs, especially from Taylor, is the worst part of watching televised games. It’s either watch with sound off or listen to ABC radio

      Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    PLEASE LOGIN
    Lost Your Password