Magpies torment Lions for big win at the Gabba
Jim Morton |
Collingwood have tormented Brisbane yet again, inflicting the first defeat of their AFL premiership defence as Nick Daicos ran riot in a 52-point Gabba thumping.
Daicos was dominant throughout for the Magpies’ fifth-straight win with 38 disposals, eight clearances and a goal to end the Lions’ 10-match unbeaten streak in a brutal fashion 16.9 (105) to 7.11 (53).
Brisbane’s last loss was in round 23 last season when Collingwood produced a one-point escape act at the MCG, the scene of their memorable 2023 grand final nail-biter.
This time they dominated a spiteful clash in front of a sell-out crowd of 34,802.
Although the Lions had taken their mantle as the AFL’s “comeback kings” in the past nine months, the match was as good as over when Jamie Elliott celebrated his 200th game with his second goal for a 42-point lead late in the third term.
Along with Daicos, his brother Josh racked up 30 possessions, Bobby Hill was near his freakish best and Jordan De Goey made a successful return from injury with two late goals as the visitors flexed their premiership credentials.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan labelled his side’s performance a “shocker” but was prepared to cut them some slack after two straight interstate trips and a five-day turnaround following their rollicking effort against the Western Bulldogs.
“I just thought Collingwood were way more desperate to win tonight than we were,” he said.
“It was a lacklustre performance and that’s uncommon for us.”
In a match full of flashpoints, it was the Magpies who were able to keep the cool in a fast and furious first half and punish a frustrated Brisbane on their home deck.
Collingwood looked on from the start, dominating the clearances and stifling Brisbane’s ball movement.
The Daicos brothers were everywhere, with 21 disposals between them in the first term alone, while former Lion Daniel McStay slotted two majors for a 10-point quarter-time lead.
Brisbane wrested control back for much of an intense second term but squandered their opportunities and were made to pay.
In contrast, with both Nick and Josh Daicos running amok, the visitors were clinical, converting entries to run away with the game.
Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore finished under an injury cloud after splitting his ear in a marking contest but coach Craig McRae expected him to be available for the Anzac Day clash with Essendon.
In a major confidence-booster, McRae said was proud of the Magpies’ ability to win in different ways, shown by their efforts in limiting the Lions to just 37 inside 50s.
He praised the way both Daicos brothers put their stamp on the match, with Nick racking up 645m gained and Josh registering 599m with his 30 disposals.
“They’re just remarkable players,” he said.
AAP
