Jack Ginnivan inspired the final-quarter fliers to a hard-fought win over a wasteful Sydney in a tense encounter at the MCG on Sunday as Brody Mihocek cashed in to kick five goals for the first time in his career.
Starting as the substitute, it was Ginnivan’s entry to the game late in the third quarter that sparked the struggling Magpies as they kicked four unanswered goals, including one to Ginnivan, to break the game open.
Brody Mihocek kicks a stunner for the Magpies late in their win.Credit: Channel Seven
He was clever and dangerous as he began the move that saw Mihocek break a third-quarter deadlock and then instrumental in the Magpies’ frenetic opening to the final quarter.
Mihocek then kicked the sealer with a Kung-Fu kick on the goal line with two minutes remaining after Jordan De Goey lobbed a high ball into the goal square. He then kicked his fifth goal with seconds remaining to set a personal career high in a performance that proved the difference in a 29-point win.
Sydney are entitled to be frustrated with the result, however. Their play was strong. They kicked short to unmarked teammates. They were happy to fiddle with the ball in the back half like a soccer team. Their build-up was methodical and created goalscoring chances.
Bu they could not convert, kicking 1.8 from set shots. It was demoralising and frustrating as they owned the ball during the second and third quarters but – apart from a spate of goals late in the second quarter – did not inflict scoreboard pressure at any time.
Jack Ginnivan was instrumental after entering the game for the Magpies .Credit: Getty Images
The most heartbreaking misses came from Peter Ladhams and Aaron Francis, who both missed set shots on the siren at the first and last break, quelling momentum and giving Collingwood confidence it was their day.
Their inability to meet the moment undermined Sydney’s early attempt to test Collingwood’s mettle and particularly young star Nick Daicos’ demeanour. When his direct opponent – Ryan Clarke – kicked the Swans’ first goal their agitator Tom Papley made sure everyone knew he was Daicos’ opponent. It started a melee that was laughable in every respect.
Daicos immediately responded, winning a ground ball and kicking inside 50 so Will Hoskin-Elliott could pounce and kick a goal. That set off another mini-melee as a mischief of Magpies ran to Clarke to say don’t get ahead of yourself son.
Jordan De Goey comes in for plenty of attention.Credit: Getty Images
The stoushes set the tone for the first half, which was scrappy and untidy, suiting Sydney who seemed more willing to work hard into space than their opponents.
But they could not keep the Magpies’ momentum at bay, with Scott Pendlebury, Tom Mitchell and De Goey excellent when the game was on the line entering the last quarter.
They began to win the ball in tight and eventually wore down the excellent Sydney skippers Luke Parker and Callum Mills. Lance Franklin was again ineffective, kicking just one behind.
Sydney now have just three wins in the season and are on the ropes after making last year’s grand final, while Collingwood continue to overpower teams.
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