Solely when Cox started to reprise Brisbane’s Clark Keating from the early 2000s by thumping the ball ahead from ball-ups did the Pies regular. It was unscientific, however efficient, and led ultimately to a steadying purpose because the Pies bundled the ball at breakneck pace down the hall.
Within the third quarter, it was extra of the identical. Draper grew in stature, Merrett and Shiel assumed full management at floor stage and, ominously, Jake Stringer imposed himself. Ascendent Draper and Merrett was Anzac Day reprised. Darcy Moore gave Peter Wright an excessive amount of latitude and Wright gave Moore gratitude. With the boldness of a three-game successful surge replete inside them, the Bombers seemed unstoppable.
Meantime, Collingwood’s midfield disappeared with out hint. Early within the final quarter, the Bombers led by 20 factors, having kicked 11 of the earlier 13 objectives within the match, and the Magpies’ magic carpet experience seemed over.
Inside desperation, there arose inspiration. By some means, the Pies kicked the final 4 objectives of the match. Although barely in a position to raise their toes, the Pies reasserted themselves within the hall. Veteran Elliott kicked two objectives, mid-season draft hypothesis Josh Carmichael the opposite two, all 4 nerveless set photographs. For those who’re unsure how the Magpies received, that’s as a result of they advert libbed it. It’s turn out to be that form of 12 months.
NEXT JOB
Outgoing AFL supremo Gil McLachlan was noticed within the umpires’ dug-out on the boundary line throughout the second quarter. No, we don’t know both, however we doubt it was for a job interview.
ALL AROUND THE NECK
The AFL’s panicky revision of the interpretation of the head-high tackles rule got here into focus at Jack Ginnivan’s first strategy to the ball. As he gathered, he did increase his arm – however as a reflex to the excessive deal with that the Bombers’ usually wonderful Mason Redman already was laying on him. No free kick was paid, the gang howled, the sport went on. For umpires, it isn’t a lot a case of the participant’s arms across the neck because the millstone round theirs.
