Preliminary Final
	V
Collingwood 17.10 (112)		Port Adelaide 9.14 (68)

Collingwood is through to its second successive AFL grand final but may have to bid for its first premiership since 1990 next weekend without key forward Anthony Rocca.

Rocca, so often the barometer of the Pies’ performances in big matches, faces an agonising week after getting himself reported for striking Port’s Brendon Lade during the opening quarter of Saturday’s MCG preliminary final win.

And key defender Jason Cloke – who missed last year’s heartbreaking nine point grand final loss to Brisbane after being suspended following the preliminary final win over Adelaide – also limped off early in the final term with a leg injury, although the injury did not appear to be serious.

They were the only blots on a magnificent performance from Mick Malthouse’s inspired side, which took full advantage of having last weekend off to humiliate Port 17.10 (112) to 9.14 (68).

The Magpies’ victory officially confirmed Port as the biggest finals underachievers in VFL/AFL history.

As a result of this defeat Port has become the first team in the 107 season history of the competition not to reach a grand final after finishing on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season for two years running.

Only three other sides – South Melbourne in 1935-36, Geelong in 1953-54 and Collingwood in 1969-70 – had ever previously not won a premiership after finishing on top of the ladder two years in a row but at least all those three sides made at least one grand final.

But the fact Port finished three games clear on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season meant nothing on Saturday as Collingwood – brilliantly led by skipper Nathan Buckley – made the second half of this final a no-contest.

After leading by just 11 points at half-time, the Pies kicked 10 goals to four after half-time to run out easy winners.

In the end the Power totally disintegrated, kicking a wasteful 6.13 after quarter-time.

While Buckley led the Pies superbly one of the most noticeable aspects of this win – and one of the main reasons why Collingwood has improved since its grand final loss last year – was the contribution of some of its “lesser lights.”

From the non-stop run of Ben Johnson in defence to the skill of Richard Cole in midfield, to the extra marking target up forward in Ben Kinnear – some of the Pies best players against Port were its lowest profile team members.

The decision by Malthouse to include Leon Davis – for the first time since round 13 – also proved an inspired decision with the skilful forward totally justifying the recall with three second half goals to bury the disappointing Power.

Key forward Chris Tarrant also kicked three while Scott Burns capped off a typically fine game with two goals.

And Brodie Holland – whose place in the team was in doubt after he got himself suspended for an off-the-ball punch in round 21, which cost him a place in the qualifying final win over Brisbane – could not have done more to make amends upon his return to the side.

Holland not only restricted the output of Port’s premier midfielder Nick Stevens but capped off a fine performance with two third quarter goals.

Stevens was just one of a number of Port stars who failed to handle the occasion of playing in front of by far the biggest crowd in the Power’s history.

Even former skipper Gavin Wanganeen – a premiership player with Essendon and one Port player used to playing in front of big MCG crowds – was well below his best, even missing a sitter from just 30 metres directly in front right on the three-quarter-time siren.

And Port’s biggest hope – key forward Warren Tredrea – was thrashed by underrated Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo.

So rattled did Tredrea did become that he even fluffed an open goal in the final term when he made the schoolboy error of kicking the ball through the goals with his foot over the line – which meant his shot was ruled a behind.

That bought plenty of jeers from the 77,000 strong Magpie crowd, who by that stage were in full celebration of a second successive grand final appearance.

In fact so early did the “Black and White Army” know their team has secured another grand final berth that a huge roar erupted after just four minutes of the final term when the Pies’ ubiquitous cheer squad leader “Joffa” donned his now famous gold jacket – which only appears when he realises the Pies are destined for victory.

FOOTY REPORT ARCHIVE

Click here to read in depth, sometimes controversial, but always thought provoking previous round reports...