Collingwood were on the verge of building a match-winning lead but Freo hit back hard in the final minutes of the third quarter, narrowing the margin to 15 points at the last change.
The Pies were well on midway through the quarter but did not make the most of their chances. Tim Membrey and Bobby Hill, usually both so reliable in front of goal, fluffed simple shots from about 30 metres out. Had either converted, the margin would have been out towards five goals.
The final 15 minutes of that quarter belonged to Freo, but they could only pull one goal back. The Pies’ five-day break now becomes a factor. The margin is handy but not big enough to protect tiring legs if the Pies are forced to chase tail in the last quarter. They need their superstar Nick Daicos to dig deep.
Daicos, nursing a hip injury, has had just 11 disposals, and only two in the third quarter. If they are to get the points, they’ll need Hill, Jamie Elliott and co to make the most of their chances, because they’ve only generated 26 entries inside 50, compared to the Dockers’ 34. I’m backing the Pies from here, but this game won’t be decided until late.
