Max Gawn said his confrontation with Steven May after the siren was just a product of two disappointed players frustrated at losing a game by one point after leading in the last quarter.
Gawn pushed May in chest after it appeared the defender had criticised his captain for a turnover kick in the final 30 seconds of the thrilling match at the MCG, watched by 77,761.
Max Gawn looks on in disappointment after the siren.Credit: Getty Images
Gawn had taken mark in the back pocket with 38 seconds to go and the Demons down by a point.
He attempted a chaos kick that skewed sideways to Will Hoskin-Elliott, giving the Magpies possession and the opportunity run down the clock.
May challenged Gawn on the field and was pushed away by the unimpressed Demons skipper.
“We just both want to win. I am not sure what actually happened. It was very loud with the crowd and what not. We both want to win and it was a very disappointing last 30 seconds in the way it played out,” Gawn said.
“I thought it was weird I was called to play on. I didn’t think I moved, and then a ruckman kicking from the back pocket when called to play on is not a great recipe for us to win, so I thought a chaos ball was the best option.
“He (May) holds us to high standards and he wants to win.
“It was more along the lines we lost by a point in a game we were leading in the last quarter … that’s the disappointment.
“Taking a mark in the back pocket with 25 seconds to go, you are a two per cent chance of winning. I don’t think it’s that play (that cost the game) but we want to win.”
Melbourne had chances to win the game. They trailed by 20 points in the third quarter before Bailey Fritsch kicked two quick early goals in the last quarter, then Kozzy Pickett snapped a stunner to put them a goal up midway through.
But again the Demons wasted chances in front of goal. Most frustratingly, Fristch played on when he marked 30 metres out directly in front, unaware that Isaac Quaynor was only metres away. Tackled by Quaynor, he slewed a dribble kick across the face of goal for a behind.
Kolytn Tholstrop also missed when a long shot at goal was tapped back into play then rushed over the line.
Dan McStay, in his first game back from injury, took a towering mark and goaled to return Collingwood to the lead, and the Magpies were never headed afterwards. Josh Daicos won the Neale Daniher medal for best on ground, but he must have only marginally pipped Jeremy Howe who was outstanding behind the ball.
Gawn dismissed suggestions his team had a hoodoo against the Magpies, who have now won 11 of the past 13 games between these teams.
“Do you think Bayley Fritsch getting smothered by Isaac Quaynor … factored the hoodoo – you believe in it more than we do. Collingwood just got over the line,” was his response when asked.
Melbourne’s Ed Langdon kept a tight grip on Nick Daicos.Credit: Getty Images
McStay said Melbourne kicking to the wet and boggy city end of the MCG helped the Magpies in the tight last quarter.
“It was significant. The city end was just so muddy and boggy. The other end was actually kind of dry. I think it must have got a fair bit of sun. It probably helped that we had the drier end in the last quarter,” he said.
McStay said the one-point win after falling behind in the last quarter was another example of his team’s desire to play games to the final siren.
“We have just got so many senior heads that when things get tight and things get tough, more often than not, these guys make the right decision, and we just play the minutes better than most teams,” he said.
“If you want to beat us you’ve got to play 120 … 123 minutes. Whatever it is you gotta play that to beat us.
“We showed that again tonight.”
Dan McStay takes a strong grab opposed Melbourne’s Daniel Turner.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Ed Langdon did well running with Collingwood playmaker Nick Daicos, keeping him to 19 touches and a dulled influence on the game.
McStay was pleased he was able to have an impact after struggling in the first half in his first game back from injury.
“It was probably the first time for a little while we were able to get a little bit of speed on the ball,” McStay said of his final term mark and goal.
“I was able to get out the back of, I think I was on Turner at the time. As forwards, you love a little bit of speed on the ball. I was just able to jump at the footy and do what I do well,” McStay said.
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