Collingwood assistant coach Adrian Fletcher singles out the performances of four Magpies who were instrumental in the round seven victory over Carlton, in CTV’s weekly edition of ‘The Weekend That Was’

Fletcher discusses the performances of Anthony Rocca, Josh Fraser, Scott Pendlebury and Alan Didak on the show where CTV catches up with a member of the Collingwood coaching staff to review and show highlights of the previous weekend’s game.

In dissecting round seven’s great win over arch-enemy Carlton, Fletcher said the Blues threw everything at the Magpies early, but the increased work-rate of the Collingwood players, combined with improved accuracy in front of goal, got the Magpies home.

“There’s no doubt that Carlton came out pumped, and they actually put us under a fair bit of pressure,” Fletcher explained.

“They won the ball around the stoppages early, and from that they moved it quickly into their forward line, so we had to adjust around the ball, and make sure we put them under pressure.”

“There’s no doubt, if you get shots on goal you’ve got to put the opposition under pressure.

“You’d say (Anthony) Rocca after half time, and Trav (Cloke), (Alan) Didak kicked 4.1 I think, so if you can get it down there and they take marks and kick goals it really gives everybody a lift, and you get back to the centre and you’re raring to go again.”

Fletcher, who is responsible for the club’s midfield group, spoke glowingly of the efforts of one of the club’s brightest young stars, Pendlebury, who racked up 24 classy possessions.

“He’s going to be a player who can win the football inside, and he has the ability to run and carry and win the uncontested footy on the outside.

“He’s a guy who’s really worked at his football and worked at his weaknesses, and at the moment he’s playing some really good football, but I don’t think you’ve seen the best of him yet, he’s got a fair bit to offer, and he’ll actually go inside and be a really important part of our midfield structure.”