| Venue: M.C.G. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: Saturday September 16, 1978 | Result: Lose by 15 points | ||||||||||||||||||
| Umpires: Ian Robinson, John Sutcliffe | Crowd: 91,933 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: K.Sheldon 3, R.Galt 3, M.Maclure 3, T.Keogh 2, V.Catoggio 1, R.Ashman 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Best: G.Towns, R.Ashman, B.Doull, B.Armstrong, P.Pinnell, G.Southby, P.Jones, D.McKay, A.Jesaulenko | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: R.Kink & P.Carmen | Injuries: Nil | ||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
The old rivals, whilst not the best teams in the competition, were up there, and provided a thrilling game full of great goals (one of Carlton's was a great team goal), great marks (Fabulous Phil Carman), and great fights...EVERYONE!!!One of my clearest recollections of this game is a young Wayne Harmes throwing punches into Phil Carmen as he had him pinned on the ground in front of the Members stand. In just over 12 months time, Harmes would be forever immortalised close to this very spot when he instead of punching his Magpie opponents, he punches the ball back to Sheldon in the Grand Final for the sealer. This punch would hurt the most, and still does to this very day for all Magpie supporters who remember this famous incident (how can they forget it when we keep reminding them of it).
Carlton fell behind and slowly clawed their way back and hit the front in exciting fashion just before 3 qtr time, only for Collingwood to regain the lead just as quickly. The last quarter (except for Phil Carman's efforts) proved to be a bit of a letdown as Collingwood quickly blew the lead out early in the quarter.
In this game the Blues came in as favorites after two big wins over the Magpies during the year, as well as the Magpies coming off a big loss to the Hawks the previous week. But with good old-fashioned hard bumping, fierce tackling and intense pressure football, Collingwood defeated Carlton by 15 points to advance to the Preliminary Final. Carlton's clever small players were continually harassed, and not able to break clear with their usual regularity. Collingwood did most of the running and used the better teamwork for most of the match. Centre half back Bill Picken was the driving force behind the Magpies great victory. Picken completely eclipsed Carlton's key forward Mark Maclure and continually sent Collingwood into attack with long, clearing dashes. His 22 kicks, eight marks and six handpasses were an outstanding contribution to the Magpies win. Thompson controlled the centre bounces for most of the match and directed his hit-outs to considerable advantage. He also helped set up many attacking moves with constructive handball. Phil Carmen lifted Collingwood with his brilliant play on the forward line, but, along with team-mate Rene Kink, was reported duirng the fiery third quarter. Carlton fought back from a 13 point deficit at half time and hit the front in the third quarter, but their lead was short-lived. Collingwood had an answer to every challenge by the Blues. The Magpies led by 19 points at quarter time, 13 points at half time and four at three quarter time. In the last quarter, Collingwood's all-round strength proved too much for Carlton and they quickly opened up a five goal advantage. The Blues battled the game right out and reduced the leeway in the final minutes, but were no match for a determined Collingwood. Carlton's captain-coach Alex Jesaulenko shifted players throughout the match in an endeavour to get some drive but Collingwood's aggressive tactics stopped the Blues in their tracks. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football
Team
| B: | 37 Wayne Harmes | 20 Geoff Southby | 15 Phil Pinnell |
| HB: | 11 Bruce Doull | 43 David McKay (vc) | 21 Rod Austin |
| C: | 30 Tony Pickett | 9 Greg Towns | 1 Denis Collins |
| HF: | 25 Alex Jesaulenko (cc) | 36 Mark Maclure | 12 Barry Armstrong |
| F: | 17 Rod Galt | 33 Peter McConville | 14 Rod Ashman |
| Ruck: | 28 Peter Jones | 8 Trevor Keogh | 4 Vin Catoggio |
| Interchange: | 18 Kevin Heath | 5 Ken Sheldon | |
| Coach: | Alex Jesaulenko | ||
Elimination Final | 1979