Why are Collingwood so hard to beat? Because they have different ways in which they can win. In March and April, their improved work at clearance came to the fore. In the past month, they’ve absorbed losses at the contest, at times conceded plenty of territory, yet still got the job done. Tonight, their offence has come off their defence. Their willingness to close down Hawthorn’s space has enabled them to win the ball back in dangerous areas to launch their forays forward. The sight of Collingwood players running unchecked through the centre square will be giving Sam Mitchell headaches. The Hawks have clearly had a crack but their inability to prevent the Pies’ run has given their backs little hope. Steele Sidebottom is dominating his wing. Jamie Elliott, after just one possession in the first quarter, has four goals to half-time. Tom Barrass needs pressure on the ball up the field to beat Elliott, who, if allowed to lead at the ball, will be too quick for his bigger opponent. On the other wing, Jack Crisp has also been a threat. The Hawks have gifted three goals to the Pies through their own silliness. The latest was Changkuoth Jiath’s brain fade in not giving the ball back to Elliott after a holding the ball free kick, resulting in a 50-metre penalty which took the Magpies forward to point-blank range. Their best player has been former Pie Jack Ginnivan, who has three goals and 17 disposals. They need more from Jai Newcombe, who has been limited to just 10 disposals by Ned Long, who has also had time on James Worpel. If the Hawks do not lift their pressure around the ball, this has the potential to get ugly in the second half.
