AN INSPIRED final term from Collingwood key forward Anthony Rocca and a final quarter fade out from Fremantle has resulted in a 26-point loss at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
In glorious autumn conditions at the home of football, Collingwood 16.15 (111) defeated Fremantle 13.7 (85) in front of a crowd of 45,383, a record crowd between the two teams.
The match was an evenly fought contest until the final term, when Collingwood overran a tired-looking Fremantle outfit with six goals to three.
Rocca chipped in with three of his six goals for the day during the quarter.
Despite starting in impressive fashion, it wasn't always Collingwood's day.
Fremantle hit back strongly and led on several occasions throughout the match. And although Collingwood led at each change, it only led by two, four and six points respectively at the end of the first three quarters.
It was in the final term when the pendulum swung in Collingwood's favour.
Aside from Rocca's exploits, Dane Swan, Heath Shaw and Rhyce Shaw combined for over 75 disposals.
For Fremantle, David Mundy (26 possessions) was outstanding. He had several opponents throughout the match, and outpointed them all.
His work across half-back and through the midfield was one of the shining lights for his side.
Key forward/defender Luke McPharlin, who spent time in both zones, also contributed well with three goals.
Ruckman Aaron Sandilands dominated the hit outs with 33 for the day.
Both sides entered the match almost at full strength.
Paul Hasleby, who will miss the 2008 season with a knee injury, was Fremantle’s biggest omission, while Collingwood went in without newly appointed skipper Scott Burns and Ben Johnson.
Fremantle lost Heath Black before half time, suffering from blurred vision, while Collingwood forward Sean Rusling left the field with yet another shoulder injury after he was cleaned up with a hip and shoulder from Antoni Grover during the second term.
The match started with contrasting styles. The home side was slick, pacy and used the ball with purpose, as the visitors were sluggish.
Collingwood landed three of the opening four goals, gaining a 13-point advantage by the nine-minute mark.
But when Peter Bell kicked truly in time-on – after belying his height to out mark acting Collingwood captain Josh Fraser – Fremantle got its act together.
This was followed up with a brilliant goal from veteran recruit Mark Johnson, who kept his cool, weaved through traffic and converted.
Johnson's major reduced the margin to just two points at the first break and although Collingwood controlled the majority of the term, it was proof of Fremantle's ability to remain in the contest despite some indifferent football.
Fremantle made it four goals in a row when it registered the first two majors of the second term, but in a see-sawing quarter Collingwood regained the lead at half-time by four points.
Mundy, with 17 disposals in the first half, also chipped in with a goal. His major came after Chris Egan gave away two 50m penalties, the second for back-chatting field umpire Ray Chamberlain.
Both teams managed three goals each, but a brilliant dribble goal from Leon Davis allowed the Magpies to take the lead, setting up a fascinating final stanza.
But what transpired what a dominant display from Collingwood, as Freo was left languishing.
COLLINGWOOD 3.3, 7.6, 10.10, 16.15 (111)
FREMANTLE 3.1, 7.2, 10.4, 13.7 (85)
GOALS: Collingwood: Rocca 6, Didak 3, Thomas 2, Davis 2, Lockyer, Medhurst, Cloke. Fremantle: McPharlin 3, McManus 2, Pavlich, Headland, Mundy, Bell, Farmer, Crowley, Mark Johnson, M Carr.
