2 June
On this day in 1990, in round 10 at VFL Park, Collingwood was up against top-of-the-ladder Melbourne in the Match of the Day. The time was ripe for a fifth-placed and emerging Collingwood to let the cocky Demons know their place.
It was an unnerving Darren Millane who set the way for a courageous, disciplined Magpie victory – and a convincing 52-point whipping. The Pies’ five goals in the second quarter, with the Demons remaining frozen on their quarter-time score of 2.2, went a long way to securing the result.
Peter Daicos kicked six goals. Again. Mick McGuane was superb with 37 disposals and two goals. And Shane Morwood was all class and elegance as he mopped up the footy 32 times.
The premiers-in-waiting edged to fourth on the ladder, with only percentage separating them from top spot.
Final Scores – Collingwood 16.14.110 d. Melbourne 9.4.58.
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On this day in 1988, rumours were abounding that ex-captain and dual Copeland Trophy winner Mark Williams might be returning to Collingwood. The Brisbane Bears were already having salary-cap problems. Sadly, those rumours never came to fruition and Choco would see out his brilliant career with the Bears.
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Today in 1979, Craig Davis kicked eight goals in Collingwood’s 52-point smashing of Richmond at Victoria Park in Round 9. The Pies maintained a hold on third position and dealt the Tigers their fifth loss from their last six games.
It was the second week running for Davis, who kicked eight the week before in the 87-point trouncing of South Melbourne at Lake Oval. Rene Kink booted four goals and Derek Shaw (3.2) scored with every one of his five kicks. Bill Valli was handy with 27 touches. Final Scores – Collingwood 19.18.132 d. Richmond 10.20.80
Dr. Stats Fact Alert: Wingman Mark Hanneberry debuted for the Pies – on his way to 61 games for 23 goals before crossing to Essendon in 1984 for one game. That single game was against his old side, at Victoria Park.
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Round seven, 1928 – it was a battle of second (Collingwood) versus third (Carlton) in this match of the day at Princes Park. The home team was a slim three points in front at half-time, and then copped a barrage of goals against it in the third term, and huddled at the last change in arrears by 29 points.
The Pies looked home, and well on their way to chasing top spot from Melbourne, but could only muster three behinds for the remainder of the match. It was now their turn to weather the barrage. Carlton stormed home – but short – by three points. A shame, that.
Gordon Coventry kicked four goals and Tommy Bird three. Final Scores – Collingwood 13.9.87 defeated Carlton 12.12.84.
Dr. Stats Fact Alert: Tommy Bird was in the Magpies’ nest between 1925 and 1928, but could only manage nine games for five goals. It was a tough side to break into those days. This performance was his best.
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Matthew Ryan was born today in 1967. The rover-forward played 45 games for 44 goals for the Woods between 1985 and 1989 before crossing to Sydney for a season and finishing off with a final two years at the Brisbane Bears. His peak year was 1987, his 20 games reaping 28 goals, including bags of five against Melbourne and Brisbane.
