CTV > Watch the Final Siren with Guy McKenna

Guy McKenna believes fresh, youthful legs were instrumental in the Magpies’ first-round win over Fremantle at the MCG.

Collingwood went into Saturday’s game with 10 players aged 21 or under compared to the more experienced Fremantle’s none.

While it may have been seen as an advantage for the Dockers, McKenna emphasised it was a factor in allowing the Magpies to boot six goals to three in the final term and run over the top of Fremantle.

“I think the younger legs got us across the line in the end, which was pleasing,” McKenna said on CTV’s Final Siren show at the Lexus Centre after the game on Saturday.

“You balance the experience heads up with younger, fresher bodies. They (younger players) are probably not physically there, but they’re certainly fresher."

While youth was a crucial component of the Magpies’ first win of season 2008, McKenna lauded the effort of veteran key forward Anthony Rocca, who booted six goals, including three in the all-important final quarter, and provided vital leadership in the absence of captain Scott Burns.

“What we know with Anthony Rocca, certainly since I’ve been at the club, is we get a contest.

“Most times he marks them, very rarely does he get outmarked, but we know that the ball’s going to fall at his feet.

“We’ve got crumbers down there in Didak, Thomas, Medhurst slipping around his feet, it augers well for those boys picking up a crumb and kicking a goal.

“Given Burnsy was out, we needed someone to stand up in that leadership area, and I thought his (Rocca’s) leadership in the forward half was fantastic.”

McKenna also praised the efforts of debutant Nathan Brown, who stood Matthew Pavlich admirably, allowing the Dockers’ star forward to kick just one goal, and Dale Thomas, who sparked the Magpies when the Dockers challenged in the second half.

Having taken on the role of midfield coach in 2008, McKenna was also delighted to win the clearances, which was particularly challenging given the enormity of Docker ruckman Aaron Sandilands.

Watch Guy McKenna’s full analysis of the win over Fremantle by clicking on the link above and watching CTV’s Final Siren.