CTV > Dale Thomas post-match interview
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CTV spoke to Dale Thomas about his two spectacular marks and the great  29-point victory over the Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old enhanced his reputation as one of the club’s most important and exciting players with three crucial first-half goals in Sydney, two of which resulted from huge grabs taken deep in attack.

"The ball was just lucky enough to be there, and I had a jump at it, so I was certainly liking the set shots from about 10 metres out, rather than 50-odd," Thomas said in the rooms after the win.

"It’s just instinctive, you see someone in front of you... suss out where the ball is, have a jump and hope for the best."

As for which mark Thomas preferred...

"The first one felt a bit higher."

Collingwood has now won the last five clashes against Sydney, and on Saturday night were able to apply intense pressure to build a 41-point lead at the final change.

Early on both sides missed opportunities to kick goals, with the Magpies in particular wasting a few chances as the game progressed, but their ongoing pressure and commitment ensured Sydney was never able to seriously threaten.

"I think both sides missed some easy chances early on, I was a culprit certainly for that (he finished with 3.2). There were a lot of points scored, but it was one of those games where you’ve really got to try and make the most of your chances.

"We could’ve dropped our heads, but we kept going, and kept trying to nullify them getting the ball out of the centre, and that’s what we did."

While Sydney mounted a late comeback, the Magpies were able to withstand the challenge and go on to record a satisfying win that moves the club to fifth on the ladder, six premiership points behind the fourth-placed Swans.

"They did come back late, but the boys stuck to their guns," Thomas added.

"Once again we did put in a solid three and a half quarters, not quite the full four, but to take the points up here you’ll take that any day of the week."

The Magpies now face sixth-placed Adelaide (also eight wins and six losses) at the MCG in another clash that will have a huge bearing on the top eight.

"We’ve got to keep winning to try and get a top four chance come finals time.

"The win tonight will certainly give us a bit of confidence going into next week, and hopefully we can get the points again next week."