Thomas Knee Blow As Pies Cut Power

The Age

Saturday August 16, 2008

By Ashley Porter, Adelaide

COLLINGWOOD may have paid a price for an uninspiring 31-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last night with Dale Thomas receiving a slight knee injury.

Thomas was met heavily and awkwardly in a fair contest with an opponent in the opening minutes of the second half, and spent most of the third term in the medical rooms receiving attention to his medial ligament in his left knee.

He returned to the bench with the knee heavily strapped just before three-quarter-time, but did not go back on to the field.

Collingwood played without passion, especially when compared with last week's performance against St Kilda after the controversy surrounding Heath Shaw and Alan Didak, but lifted its intensity late in the third term and held on grimly.

It won't go down as one of the great matches of the season, but from the Magpies' perspective, it was nonetheless crucial as the premiership points have virtually sealed a spot in the final eight. They also have kept alive their ever-so-slight hopes of a top-four spot.

Port made two key changes to its team: Dean Brogan (shoulder) and Daniel Motlop (abductor), who Port said had been carrying the injuries for some time, were replaced by Toby Thurstans and Robbie Gray. This greatly reduced Port's chances of winning; it also reduced its chances of climbing from 14th place, which will be significant come the national draft.

Included in the Power side was AFL debutant Matthew Westhoff, a younger brother of Justin who was promoted despite picking up only five touches in the SANFL last week. Ryan Williams and Mitch Farmer both played their third games and Nick Lower played his 13th. Given the absence of experienced players, this was possibly Port's weakest side this year.

The attendance was only 23,694, which was below Port's disappointing season average, and about 7000 below the previous smallest crowd for a match between Port and Collingwood. The absentees didn't miss much. Although the game was close, for most part the standard was disappointing.

The Magpies led by five points after an uninspiring first term in which both sides made numerous ball-handling errors. When the Pies looked like drawing well clear late in the term, Port responded with quick goals, including one from yet another undisciplined Collingwood act.

When Port snatched the lead only 50 seconds into the second term, Collingwood needed special efforts. The first came from Ryan Cook, who kicked his first goal in what was his eighth game.

The second lifted the Pies enormously. While smothering the ball, John Anthony was hit hard into his left ear by the ball, and needed immediate attention from trainers. While being helped off, he sidestepped to mark, and then goaled from 50 metres.

Anthony then went to the bench, and to the rooms, nursing an ear ache and a strained left shoulder. He later returned, and was instrumental in lifting the Pies in the third term.

The third gem came from Travis Cloke, who ran down the members' wing, bounced the ball three times and kicked long and accurately to Nick Maxwell. After a goal from Dane Swan, who was having an absorbing duel with Kane Cornes, Collingwood led by 24 points.

But, like the first quarter, Collingwood then failed to maintain its dominance, and Port snared three late goals to reduce the deficit to seven points at half-time. Given the control the Magpies were enjoying against a seemingly ordinary side, it was an average effort, and once more special efforts were needed.

Port, for most part, didn't seem to know what it was doing. It lacked method moving into attack, moved the ball backwards and sideways, and repeatedly faltered under Collingwood's pressure.

Port's willingness could not be questioned - it just lacked an effective game plan and skills. Most of its goals came from persistence and opportunity rather than class. Despite all these misgivings, Port remained in contention.

Leon Davis kicked a brilliant goal early in the last term that virtually sealed the win. Tarkyn Lockyer, Dane Swan and Anthony also lifted the Magpies in the second half, but to Port's credit, it persisted. Shane Wakelin contested well in his 250th game.

Given the positions of the two teams on the ladder, Collingwood must have been just grateful for the premiership points. And dare one suggest Port was happy with the result, too.

© 2008 The Age

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