A final-term blitz by Port Adelaide sinks Collingwood at the MCG
A FINAL term blitz by Port Adelaide has seen the Magpies go down by 18 points in heavy conditions at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.The Pies led for the majority of the match a physical and entertaining encounter that was not spoiled by persistent rain. The Power kicked away in the final term – hitting the front at the 12-minute mark and refusing to look back to win 12.12 (84) to 9.12 (66).Rhyce Shaw worked hard for his 30 possessions, and was closely supported by Tarkyn Lockyer and Ben Johnson through the middle, while Heath Shaw and Dane Swan were also impressive.The skill level in the opening term was better than expected given the slippery conditions, and Anthony Rocca defied the theory that wet weather troubles big men, with a first-term contribution of two goals and three marks.The Shaw brothers fired early and looked strong running out of defence, despite the pair facing the tough opponents of David Rodan and Kane Cornes.The older Shaw had 13 touches in the first term – the most of anyone on the field – while Heath was also prolific and even showed off his leaping ability when he was forced to hurdle the fence to retrieve the ball from the empty race in the Southern Stand midway through the quarter.The Pies took a narrow two-point advantage into the second quarter after Rocca slotted his second goal minutes before the siren, after receiving a precise pass from Scott Pendlebury that set the big man up for a shot from 30m out.Nick Maxwell drifted forward to open the Pies' account for the second term, but a goal from Shaun Burgoyne cancelled it out before Pendlebury and Brett Ebert traded another pair of majors.Rhyce Shaw continued to find plenty of the ball, while Johnson lifted his work rate after missing last week with an ankle injury, ending the first half with 14 touches, and Scott Burns rose to the occasion when pitted against Michael Wilson.The rain continued to fall and the lights came on as the sides ran out for the second half – the Pies still holding a two-point lead after Port’s Shaun Burgoyne goaled on the siren.The match became a slog in the third, and there was an eight-minute period where no score was recorded.The Pies got out to a commanding 15-point lead with Swan kicking two goals in the opening five minutes, but the Power reeled them in with majors from Wilson and Josh Mahoney late in the term to drag the three quarter-time margin back to a solitary point.The tension continued into the final stanza with Swan, Ebert and Peter Burgoyne failing to convert set shots early on.The Pies were delivered a hefty blow at the 10-minute mark when young gun Dale Thomas, who had been shining despite the relentless rain, was collected heavily by Kane Cornes and retired to the bench.The Power inched in front with goals from Mahoney and Wilson, and while the Pies' injury woes continued with Simon Prestigiacomo and Scott Burns limping to the bench, Thomas made a surprise return to the field.His presence wasn't enough to halt the Power as it raced towards victory, and the visitors slotted three goals to the Pies' none in the fourth to claim the four points.The Magpies must now regroup and recover in time to meet Essendon in their annual Anzac Day blockbuster at the MCG on Wednesday.COLLINGWOOD: 3.5, 7.9, 9.10, 9.12 (66)PORT ADELAIDE: 3.3, 7.7, 9.9, 12.12 (84)GOALSCollingwood: Rocca 2, Pendlebury 2, Swan 2, Johnson, Maxwell, Davis Port Adelaide: Ebert 3, S. Burgoyne 2, Mahoney 2, Wilson 2, White, C. Cornes, RodanBESTCollingwood: R. Shaw, Johnson, Pendlebury, Swan, H. Shaw, Thomas, Burns Port Adelaide: K. Cornes, Wilson, Rodan, Mahoney, S. Burgoyne, P. BurgoyneReport: Rocca (Collingwood) reported for alleged head-high contact on Cassisi (Port Adelaide) in the second quarter by umpire Allen.Injuries:Collingwood – Thomas (ankle), Burns (knee), Prestigiacomo (groin), Licuria (hamstring). Port Adelaide – Nil.Umpires: Allen, Grun, HeadOfficial crowd: 35,355 at the MCG
