BREATHE EASY by Meggs

Posted September 1Sep 1

Expectations of a comfortable win for Narrm at Victoria Park quickly evaporated as the match turned into a tense nail-biter. After a confident start by the Demons, the Pies piled on pressure and forced red and blue supporters to hold their collective breath until after the final siren.

In a frenetic, physical contest, it was Captain Kate’s clutch last quarter goal and a missed shot from Collingwood’s Grace Campbell after the siren which sealed a thrilling 4-point win. Finally, Narrm supporters could breathe easy.

Pre-match, the Indigenous dance group Djirri Djirridelivered an enchanting cultural performance, followed by a warm Welcome to Country from Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr. The @deearmy banner—"3 Premiership Demons, 75 Supreme Games, Hanks, Pearce, Zanker"—was a beauty. The Pies’ torn banner? Not quite as grand.

The match

Bannan got things moving early with a strong mark and goal. But the Dees midfield took a blow when Shelley Heath was subbed out at quarter time with an elevated heart rate. Thankfully, her condition later normalised.

Collingwood’s midfield was outstanding. Bonnici (27 disposals), Rowe (26), Runnalls (24), and Remmos (24, 1 goal) gained ascendency in the middle quarters and helped the Pies take the lead.

Then came some Hore heroics. Out of heavy traffic, Kate snapped a brilliant post-high goal to reclaim the lead. Moments later, she dished off to Gall in the square for another. Two goals in two minutes. All class.

Despite six scoring shots to one in the final quarter, Collingwood couldn’t convert. One goal was all it took, and that was Kate Hore again.

Narrm takes 4 points for the win but drops over 200 points in percentage to be second on the ladder.

Match moment

Debutant Jemma Rigoni was presented her #43 guernsey by her father Guy, who played 107 games for the Red and Blue. Jemma impressed with 11 possessions, 6 contested, 1 mark, and 3 tackles. Guy would’ve been proud.

Meggs’ musings

At last, a win against the Pies by less than a kick? You bewdy !

Congratulations to our 75-game milestoners Hanksy, Loz and Edo. You are champions.

Slippery conditions meant a lack of clean ball and dropped marks. Of course, it didn’t stop Tayla Harris from flying and clunking a few rippers.

It was great to see all the injured players out at the ground supporting their teammates while Max and Judd were spotted amongst the throng.

Our forwards struggled to retain the ball in the front half, putting pressure on a backline missing Gillard, Lampard, Goldrick, and Mackin. Maeve Chaplin has magnificently stepped up as the defensive captain with deputy Taylor, in leading a young brigade of O’Hehir, Ebert, and Wotherspoon with energy and grit.

Tyla Hanks was immense again —25 disposals, 9 tackles, 334 metres gained. Paxy Paxman (21 disposals), Eliza McNamara (25 disposals, 7 tackles), and Shelley Heath (before her exit) were other strong contributors. Kate Hore added 21 disposals, 4 clearances, and 2 goals.

Coaches and Next Week

Mick Stinear admitted Collingwood outplayed and outworked Naarm for much of the match. He highlighted some costly lapses in discipline. Happy to take the four points but lots of learnings this week.

Sam Webster praised his team’s contested footy and ball movement — the best he’s seen from the Pies.

Next week: Richmond at Casey Fields, Saturday 12:35pm.

Meggs’ reckons if we can manage to take our chances over the next four weeks against the Tiges, Freo, Eagles and Suns it will set up our season.

C’mon Dees!

NARRM 2.2.14 2.4.16 4.7.31 5.7.37

COLLINGWOOD 1.0.6 2.3.15 4.3.27 4.9.33

GOALS

NARRM Hore 2 Bannan Zanker Gall

COLLINGWOOD Hyde Campbell Remmos Cann

BEST

NARRM Harris Paxman Hanks Chaplin Hore McNamara

COLLINGWOOD Barnett Rowe Bonnici Remmos White Runnalls

INJURIES