Pies get boost with big win over Tigers

Collingwood's goal-kicking power has given them a major kickalong in the battle for
the AFL double chance after they demolished Richmond by 93 points at the MCG on
Saturday.
Thirteen individual goal-kickers and a climb of five percentage points highlighted
the Pies' potency in the 22.20 (152) to 8.11 (59) walloping.
Collingwood's win fell just short of their biggest over Richmond, but they were
delighted with a percentage climb from 118.30 to 123.36.
The boost put the Magpies another stride closer to finishing third, with their
percentage on par with the Western Bulldogs' and clear of the Brisbane Lions - as
the two prepared to meet later on Saturday night - and Adelaide, who are also vying
for third or fourth.
Collingwood assistant coach Brad Scott said the Magpies had aimed to get their
percentage above 120, as that spoke of a side with genuine premiership aspirations.
"It's very important," said Scott, who spoke to the media because coach Mick
Malthouse was visiting his sick mother.
"We can't control what other sides do, but it's shown throughout history that sides
with percentages 120 or above are genuine premiership contenders.
"I'm not sure exactly where our percentage sits, but that's been a goal of ours and
we're closer to that now."
The first 10 minutes provided no hint of a thrashing, as Richmond kicked two of the
first three goals.
But Collingwood clicked, dominated possession and continually pumped the ball
forward, to the point they denied Richmond entry into attack for 25 minutes and went
forward 12 times themselves, which yielded 6.8.
The theme continued in the second and third quarters, when the Pies stretched their
lead to 101 points after Leon Davis snapped truly on the three-quarter time siren.
They looked set for a record win when Davis intercepted and booted his fourth to
start the final quarter, but the Tigers kicked the last two goals.
Aside from Richmond's bright start, the only area where Collingwood were challenged
was in two melees in the second quarter, which were sparked by Jake King's challenge
on Alan Didak.
Didak had the last laugh and was one of Collingwood's best, along with Dayne Beams,
Dane Swan and running defenders Heath Shaw and Harry O'Brien, who both crept forward
for goals.
Scott said Collingwood's forward line could yet be boosted if veteran Anthony Rocca
kept performing well in the VFL after overcoming ankle troubles.
"The balance is working well at the moment, but Anthony is a quality player and I
know he still strikes fear into opposition (teams)," he said.
"So if he's up and available and playing very good footy, then he'll press his case
and we'll have to make that call."
Ruckman Josh Fraser (knee) is also due to resume.
Richmond caretaker coach Jade Rawlings credited Collingwood for teaming well when in
possession and putting his side under pressure when without the ball.
But he bemoaned skill errors and appealed to the Tigers' pride for the remaining two
games, rather than hoping for the end to come quickly.
"Sometimes when you've been through a lot in a footy club, and as a team that could
be an issue among the group, but I've asked the players not to think that way," he
said.
Richmond finished the game with Ben Cousins on the bench with hamstring tightness,
and marked the end of Joel Bowden's distinguished career.
Bowden did not get a touch in the first quarter of his send-off but finished with 24
disposals.