CTV > Post Match With... Heritier O'BrienHeritier O'Brien ackowledged the efforts of his fellow defenders following Collingwood's comprehensive 44-point triumph over Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.
The 21–year-old started on Brett Deledio and a couple of excellent spoiling efforts early in the game where he was able to stay hot on the heels of the Richmond speedster not only highlighted his excellent defensive capabilities but set the tone for a fine individual and team performance.
Throughout the afternoon O’Brien took on a number of opponents including Mitch Morton and Kayne Pettifer, and was typically resolute and creative with his strong rebounding out of the defensive 50. His reliability was evident with his disposal count of 15 resulting in 100 per cent efficiency, including five contested possessions, while O’Brien kept his opponents under pressure with four tackles.
While pleased to contribute, O’Brien paid tribute to his team mates for the way they were able to bounce back after last week’s loss to Brisbane.
“It was really good to bounce back after last week, and the boys really played well as a team,” O’Brien told CTV in the rooms after the game.
“I suppose we had Heath Shaw playing really well, but everyone played well today and that was the most pleasing thing about today.”
With Richmond on top of Collingwood at the stoppages for most of the game, the Magpie defence stood up admirably, not only negating the dangerous Richmond attack but setting up countless forward forays, although the Tigers did enjoy a brief period of dominance late in the second term and early in the third after Collingwood had built a 56-point advantage in the second stanza.
“It was really good. The ball was moving really quickly out of there (the Collingwood backline), and the defenders were going really well rebounding.
"To be our best that’s the way we need to play. We’ve got to maintain it for the four quarters, and unfortunately we dropped away a little bit and gave them a little bit of a sniff, so we’ve got to maintain it and that’s what we’ve got to work on.”
O’Brien has now played 39 league games after establishing himself as a key member of the Collingwood defence in 2007, and appears to be growing in stature and confidence with each performance.
“I suppose I just played my role just like all the other boys, and that’s the reason we came away with the four points, everyone played their role, and I’m just really pleased to go alright.”
At two wins and one loss, the Magpies have laid a solid foundation for the season ahead, and will now look to record their fifth-straight victory over arch-rival Carlton at the MCG next Sunday.
“We can take a lot of confidence out of that (win over Richmond). But again, we know we can’t drop away, we’ve got to put in a four-quarter performance, but there are a lot of good signs and a lot of things we can take out of today.”
