Geelong sits on bottom of ladder
April 12 2003
GEELONG was today humbled by Collingwood to the tune of 47 points in front of 43,979 at the MCG. Geelong failed to score in the final quarter until Charlie Gardiner kicked a behind after the final siren. In contract, Collingwood, trailing Geelong by three points at three quarter time, booted eight final quarter goals to snuff out any chance Geelong had of their first win for 2003. Forward Chris Tarrant dominated, bringing down sixteen marks and booting four goals. Anthony Rocca, mismatched against Brent Grgic in the final term, delivered when his team needed, also kicking four goals.
For Geelong Steven King and Gary Ablett against delivered, while Ben Graham spent extended periods of time off the ground. The question must be asked - if Graham is not fit, why is he playing? And if he is fit, why is the brainstrust not playing him? To be unable to find a player to match up on a player of Rocca's calibre is unacceptable. Tom Harley is injured, a player like Danny Foster would be able to take his place.
As expected, James Rahilly did not take his place in the side, replaced by Steven Johnson. Collingwood midfielder Tarkyn Locker tragically looks likely to miss the remainder of 2003 after injuring his knee just minutes into the match. Geelong had no injuries to report.
Next week Geelong face Melbourne at Skilled Stadium. The Demons will come off a six day break and face the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome tomorrow afternoon.
GEELONG VFL TEAM V SANDRINGHAM
COLLINGWOOD: 4.2, 5.4, 10.5, 18.8 (116)
GEELONG: 4.4, 6.5, 10.8, 10.9 (69)
GOALS: Collingwood: Rocca 4, Tarrant 4, Didak 3, Davis
2, Woewodin, Freeborn, Burns, Williams, Johnson.
Geelong: Chapman 2, Mooney 2, Kingsley 2, White, Riccardi, Corey,
Milburn
