Daicos Brothers Shine as Collingwood Overcomes Melbourne in Lightning-Affected Clash
In a dramatic AFL 2024 Round 24 encounter, Collingwood triumphed over Melbourne by 46 points in a game marked by a lengthy lightning delay. The match at the MCG saw the Magpies secure a convincing 15.13 (103) to 8.9 (57) victory, but not without its share of controversies and standout performances.
The clash was briefly interrupted by an unusual lightning strike, which caused a 40-minute delay in the final quarter. The scene was both surreal and electrifying, as play continued momentarily after the flash, only to be halted once Jack Crisp kicked a crucial goal. As players and officials were ushered off the field, a significant portion of the 53,957-strong crowd chose to wait out the delay, making the last term the longest in recent history at nearly 66 minutes.
Also Read:- Elizabeth Hurley Stuns in New Black Bikini Photos, Leaving Fans in Awe
- Nick Grimshaw's Ibiza Birthday Villa Raided by Thieves: A Harrowing Experience
Despite the disruption, the focus of the night remained on the exceptional performance of the Daicos brothers. Nick Daicos delivered a masterclass with 40 disposals and two goals, while his brother Josh matched him with 40 possessions. Their contributions were pivotal, and Nick’s standout performance likely added three votes to his Brownlow Medal tally.
Melbourne, missing key defenders Steven May and Jake Lever due to illness, struggled against a well-prepared Collingwood side. The Demons' woes were compounded by an injury to Darcy Moore, who was concussed following a controversial high bump by Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett. This incident has cast a shadow over Pickett’s future, potentially leading to a suspension that might delay his start to the 2025 season.
On a night where the Magpies showed their mettle, coach Craig McRae demonstrated tactical innovation by deploying Steele Sidebottom in a tagging role to great effect. Sidebottom successfully limited the impact of Melbourne’s Jack Viney, adding yet another layer of strategic depth to Collingwood's game plan. Furthermore, the Pies’ small, mobile forward line, featuring Jamie Elliott, Bobby Hill, and others, capitalized on the absence of key Melbourne defenders.
As the Demons face the off-season, coach Simon Goodwin remains optimistic. Despite the disappointing end to their season, Goodwin is focused on rebuilding and utilizing the break to strengthen the team for 2025. He highlighted the emergence of young talent as a silver lining amid a challenging year.
In summary, while the lightning might have added a dramatic twist to the game, it was the brilliance of the Daicos brothers and strategic adjustments by Collingwood that truly defined the night. For Melbourne, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for a new season, while the Magpies celebrate a fitting end to their campaign, punctuated by their resilience and flair.
Read More:
0 Comments