Pies get boost with big win over Tigers - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Pies get boost with big win over Tigers

By Adam Cooper 15/08/2009 07:24:47 PM Comments (0)

Collingwood's goal-kicking power has given them a major kickalong in the battle for the AFL double chance after they demolished Richmond by 93 points at the MCG on Saturday.

Thirteen individual goal-kickers and a climb of five percentage points highlighted the Pies' potency in the 22.20 (152) to 8.11 (59) walloping.

Collingwood's win fell just short of their biggest over Richmond, but they were delighted with a percentage climb from 118.30 to 123.36.

The boost put the Magpies another stride closer to finishing third, with their percentage on par with the Western Bulldogs' and clear of the Brisbane Lions - as the two prepared to meet later on Saturday night - and Adelaide, who are also vying for third or fourth.

Collingwood assistant coach Brad Scott said the Magpies had aimed to get their percentage above 120, as that spoke of a side with genuine premiership aspirations.

"It's very important," said Scott, who spoke to the media because coach Mick Malthouse was visiting his sick mother.

"We can't control what other sides do, but it's shown throughout history that sides with percentages 120 or above are genuine premiership contenders.

"I'm not sure exactly where our percentage sits, but that's been a goal of ours and we're closer to that now."

The first 10 minutes provided no hint of a thrashing, as Richmond kicked two of the first three goals.

But Collingwood clicked, dominated possession and continually pumped the ball forward, to the point they denied Richmond entry into attack for 25 minutes and went forward 12 times themselves, which yielded 6.8.

The theme continued in the second and third quarters, when the Pies stretched their lead to 101 points after Leon Davis snapped truly on the three-quarter time siren.

They looked set for a record win when Davis intercepted and booted his fourth to start the final quarter, but the Tigers kicked the last two goals.

Aside from Richmond's bright start, the only area where Collingwood were challenged was in two melees in the second quarter, which were sparked by Jake King's challenge on Alan Didak.

Didak had the last laugh and was one of Collingwood's best, along with Dayne Beams, Dane Swan and running defenders Heath Shaw and Harry O'Brien, who both crept forward for goals.

Scott said Collingwood's forward line could yet be boosted if veteran Anthony Rocca kept performing well in the VFL after overcoming ankle troubles.

"The balance is working well at the moment, but Anthony is a quality player and I know he still strikes fear into opposition (teams)," he said.

"So if he's up and available and playing very good footy, then he'll press his case and we'll have to make that call."

Ruckman Josh Fraser (knee) is also due to resume.

Richmond caretaker coach Jade Rawlings credited Collingwood for teaming well when in possession and putting his side under pressure when without the ball.

But he bemoaned skill errors and appealed to the Tigers' pride for the remaining two games, rather than hoping for the end to come quickly.

"Sometimes when you've been through a lot in a footy club, and as a team that could be an issue among the group, but I've asked the players not to think that way," he said.

Richmond finished the game with Ben Cousins on the bench with hamstring tightness, and marked the end of Joel Bowden's distinguished career.

Bowden did not get a touch in the first quarter of his send-off but finished with 24 disposals.

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