> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media after the gameCOLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has played down the significance of his side’s impressive 48-point victory over fellow premiership contenders St Kilda at the MCG.
The 15.10 (100) to 6.16 (52) scoreline was just the second time this season the Saints had conceded more than 100 points, while the result also sent the Pies to top of the ladder, leapfrogging last year’s grand finalists Geelong and St Kilda.
“I don’t know if today’s game has any more at stake then the next game or the one before,” Malthouse said on the importance of the win.
“The opposition had clearly over the last season or two had been outstanding - the boys played very well against them.”
> Watch Brent Macaffer speak to CTV in the rooms after the winAfter St Kilda had won the previous four clashes against Collingwood - restricting the Pies to seven goals or less in their previous three outings - the Collingwood coach was thankful his side had capitalised on its chances in front of goal.
Last time the two sides met, the Pies kicked 4.17 against the Saints and effectively cost themselves any chance of victory.
“We took our chances,” he said, contrasting the effort with the previous clash.
“We didn’t mark the ball … 10 or 11 times inside our front 50 and kick 10 points - this time we kicked a few goals. It helps with confidence; it helps to put pressure back on the opposition.”
The performance of Leigh Brown was a shining light for the Pies, with the versatility of the 28-year old proving to be an ace up Malthouse’s sleeve.
“Leigh has been very good for us - he knows how to play the role we want him to play,” Mathouse said after the veteran’s three-goal haul.
“I just think he is probably realised over an extended period of his career that he needs to stand up on a consistent basis more so than perhaps he has done in the past.”
