IT’S OFFICIAL: Collingwood announce a new owner…
IT'S OFFICIAL: Collingwood announce a new owner...
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has admitted his side is “running out of time” to make the finals after falling to a third straight defeat on Friday night.
Geelong claimed a hard-fought 20-point win over Collingwood to leap into the AFL top four and strike a blow to the reigning premiers’ finals aspirations.
In a see-sawing game in front of 73,435 fans at the MCG on Friday, the Cats stepped up when it counted in the final quarter to shake off the Magpies and claim a 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71) victory.
Geelong (44 points) leap to third with their third win on the bounce, ahead of yet-to-play Fremantle and Essendon, while Collingwood (36 points) sit 10th.
Following the game, McRae remained his usual positive self, but admitted that his side faces an uphill battle to make the top eight.
“We’ll take many positives away, but also the reality is there is six games to go, time is running out,” he said.
“We’ll look to reward all the behaviour that makes us who we are, but time is running out.
“We’ve got a number (of wins) in our head that we thought would get the job done to make finals, this year has been probably like no other, but we don’t talk about the future.
“I know the ladder and wins and losses is where most of the judgement comes from, but internally we go, ‘Hey, let’s get Monday really well done and keep getting better at our centre bounce or our ability to fight in these little moments’. We live in that space, but we’re also realists – six games to go, running out of time.”
Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield (22 touches, 10 inside-50s) and Max Holmes (27 disposals) were explosive through the midfield.
Jeremy Cameron kicked three goals and young defender Lawson Humphries impressed.
Shannon Neale booted two goals but was substituted out after a hit to the throat.
Magpies star Nick Daicos collected 32 disposals and 11 clearances, while Jamie Elliott (two goals) made a fine return as he led an injury-hit and undersized attack.
Magpie Darcy Cameron dominated the ruck from a hitouts perspective (58), but Sam De Koning (22 touches) had plenty of the ball.
Geelong ran hot early as they kicked the first three goals of the game, including two inside the first 40 seconds.
But Collingwood settled and responded with four majors on the bounce.
Elliott kicked a marvellous goal from the pocket and blew a kiss to the crowd in celebration as he gave the Magpies a one-goal lead at quarter time.
Cats superstar Cameron jagged two early goals to restore their lead early in the second term.
