Collingwood vs GWS Preliminary Final at the MCG was all of the good, the bad and the ugly – as preliminary finals often are. Eliciting the notion of a game “to be endured; not enjoyed”, it was nerve-wracking, volatile and disconcerting.
Collingwood ultimately escaped by the narrowest of margins: one point. GWS were coming. Or maybe they weren’t…maybe the scoreline of 8.10 (58) to 8.9 (57) was written in stone. An indiscriminate reprisal for last years’ one point preliminary final loss to the Sydney Swans.
The good
As you’d expect with a preliminary final, the game was super-high intensity. Blink and you’ll miss. Especially for the first quarter.
While the intent remained throughout, physicality and effectiveness fell away as bodies and minds fatigued.
It was an emotionally charged game, and rightfully so, with plenty of examples around the ground of triumph over adversity.
Jamie Elliot, the small but mighty forward, whose history of injury has threated to end his career, was solid.
The unique impact, if occasional, of the at times maligned but irrepressible Texan, Mason Cox.
The dominance and composure of Jordan De Goey, who’s been hated on for his off-field antics.
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The humble but, all things considered, impressive return of Nick Daicos – a 20 year-old who’s been targeted for his brilliance.
The much maligned but lately matured Jack Ginnivan, again subbing-in at three-quarter-time and playing a pivotal role in Collingwood’s win.
And Jeremy Howe, who’s overcome two shocking in juries over the past four years – including a compound fracture to his arm at the start of this 2023 season – to return to his courageously high-flying, yet humble best.
For GWS, they reminded us of how spirited the club has been since their inception in 2012 – in that short time already playing in five finals’ series, including as grand-finalist (to premiers Richmond) in 2019. This despite losing many stars along the way, including Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel, Will Hoskin-Elliot, Josh Bruce and Tom Boyd, to name a few.
No one epitomises that spirit like the captain Toby Greene, a somewhat unlikely (in the modern era) but no less indomitable player, whose impressive gamesmanship and power of intuition would render most surprised that he stands at only 6-foot. And that says nothing of his leadership and dedication to his team. He was demonstrably upset with family after the game.
Former captain Stephen Coniglio’s finals performance has also been an impressive vindication of the side’s decision to demote him from the role of co-captain, but also his personal capacity to deal with that scenario, rediscovering form and leadership.
The bad
It was not a game that was aesthetically pleasing. It was hard going and sometimes hard-watching. It was a game of mistakes, with even GWS’ coach Adam Kingsley remarking afterwards, “…really neither of us were finishing our work.”
Lipinski faltered with ball in hand. Josh Kelly, despite his high possessions and admittedly being subject to intense pressure, struggled to effect a kick to his own team’s advantage. Even the likes the typically infallible Nick Daicos and defender Darcy Moore succumbed to uncharacteristic mistakes, such was the pressure.
The bad category regrettably also includes the knee injury suffered by Daniel McStay in the third quarter of the game – a now-confirmed medial ligament strain – which has sadly ruled him out of the grand-final.
The difference
This preliminary final was a game characterised by phases. At times it was Collingwood’s dynamic forward line, especially the intensity and precision of Bobby Hill, that threatened to be the difference. At other times it appeared that Toby Greene just might drag the team he captains so inimitably to another grand final. Kelly’s involvement was at times dominant, but ultimately a little ineffective. At other times it was one, or the other, or the combination of both Daicos boys that swung the game. Crisp’s run and drive was telling.
Ultimately the most consistent, game-changing influence was that of Jordan De Goey, with 13 of his 34 disposals being clearances (five of which were centre-clearances). And it’s not like they came easy; repeatedly he had to out-maneuver two or three opposition challengers. It was a memorable performance and De Goey’s power and composure mean he’ll likely have a big say in the outcome of next week’s grand final against the Brisbane Lions.
