“The Battle for Finals Glory: Analyzing Collingwood vs Melbourne Quarter by Quarter”

Collingwood v Melbourne – The Qualifying Final Quarter By Quarter

By HB Meyers · September 8, 2023

As the rain tumbled down at a packed MCG, it was a true clash of footy heavyweights to open the 2023 AFL Finals. After a blistering season, the Pies finished on top, and though they were troubled with injuries late in the season, a thumping win over Essendon put any doubts as to their hunger to rest. Meanwhile, the Dees finished top four and had some injury worries of their own, with Clayton Oliver working his way back into the team in recent weeks. The weather was all but going to nullify the big forwards, which meant the team that adjusted better was going to come out on top – a five-goal to-one first quarter left no doubt as to who that would be, and though the Dees would come back hard later in the game, the damage was done early by the Pies, and it would be enough to secure them a place in the Preliminary Final.

The Game

The Collingwood vs Melbourne match in the qualifying finals was highly anticipated and lived up to the excitement. Both teams entered the game with their fair share of injury concerns, but it was Collingwood who managed to quickly adapt to the challenging weather conditions. The heavy rain made it difficult for the big forwards to make an impact, but Collingwood‘s five-goal to one first quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. Despite Melbourne‘s efforts to mount a comeback, Collingwood‘s early dominance proved to be too much to overcome.

The Highlights

In a game riddled with rain, the highlights came in the form of each team’s ability to navigate the challenging conditions. Collingwood‘s quick start showcased their readiness and hunger for the finals. The precision and accuracy shown by their forward line in the first quarter set them apart from Melbourne. Additionally, Clayton Oliver’s return to the Melbourne lineup after recovering from an injury was a highlight in itself. His presence in the midfield added much-needed strength to Melbourne‘s game.

The Players

Several players stood out in this highly competitive clash. Bobby Hill of Collingwood showed great agility and speed, making him a difficult player to stop. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his team was crucial in their early dominance. Brayden Maynard of Collingwood demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, shutting down Melbourne‘s forward line and limiting their scoring chances. Christian Petracca of Melbourne displayed resilience and determination throughout the game, constantly pushing forward and trying to rally his team. Clayton Oliver’s return to the Melbourne lineup proved to be valuable, as he showcased his versatility and ability to impact the game both in the midfield and up forward. Isaac Quaynor of Collingwood and Kysaiah Pickett of Melbourne also had notable performances, showcasing their skills and contributing to their respective teams.

The Controversies

While the game was intense and closely fought, there were no major controversies that overshadowed the match. The focus remained on the skill and determination displayed by both teams. However, there were some minor incidents that generated discussion among fans and pundits. The collision between Brayden Maynard and Angus Brayshaw raised questions about player safety and the AFL’s approach to addressing dangerous incidents. It will be interesting to see if any further action is taken against Maynard.

Editorial

The Collingwood vs Melbourne qualifying final showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Collingwood‘s early dominance set the tone for the rest of the game. Melbourne fought hard to mount a comeback, but ultimately fell short. The game highlighted the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and the impact it can have on the final result. Fans can expect a thrilling finals series as the remaining teams battle for glory.

Advice

For Collingwood, it is important to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their early success in the finals. They should continue to focus on their adaptability and ensure their game plan is suitable for different conditions. Melbourne should not be disheartened by their loss and should use it as motivation to bounce back in the next game. They have shown resilience throughout the season and will need to draw on that strength to regain their momentum. Overall, both teams have demonstrated their competitiveness and have the potential to go far in the finals.