COLLINGWOOD'S outstanding ability to apply pressure in its forward half has been a major factor in its success all season.
The Magpies have generated 569 opposition turnovers in their forward half this year - 94 more than any other team - and scored 120 goals as a result - 28 more than the next best team.
On Saturday night, even the all-conquering Cats were unable to cope with Collingwood’s pressure.
The reigning premier coughed the ball up 31 times before they got past halfway, the Magpies capitalising with 9.7 (61) as a direct result.
All up, Collingwood scored 12.14 (86) from turnovers compared to Geelong’s 6.6 (42) - a difference of 44 points in a game they only won by 22.
Geelong coach Mark Thompson noted in his press conference that Collingwood’s ability to get numbers around the football had killed his side.
“When you watch the game on TV, just notice how many Geelong players are in the screen compared to Collingwood,” Thompson said.
“The amount of times they had more numbers near the ball than us was amazing.”
As a result, the Cats struggled to string together the burst-through-the-middle end-to-end footy they’ve become famous for.
They got bogged down in their defensive half, turned the ball over, and Collingwood capitalised:
| COLL | GEEL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball in forward half | 58mins | 41mins | 17mins |
| Forward half disposals | 190 | 119 | 71 |
| Inside 50s | 66 | 37 | 29 |
| Scores from forward half turnovers | 9.7 (61) | 2.3 (15) | 46pts |
With many in the football world expecting another showdown between these two teams before the season is out, the Cats’ success or failure may hinge on them finding a way to overcome Collingwood’s intense pressure when moving the ball out of defence.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
