Pies Do It Again To The Baggers At The ‘G, Carn The Pies!

Is there a sweeter sound in football than 90,000-odd people losing their minds at the final siren when the Pies knock off the Blues? I don’t reckon there is.

Collingwood got the job done again against Carlton in Round 19, and honestly, after the week we’d all had listening to the Carlton faithful talk themselves up, this one tasted extra good.

The Same Old Story At The ‘G

Carn the Pies. That’s all I kept saying to me mate Robbo all afternoon.

This fixture never disappoints for pure theatre, does it? Two of the biggest clubs in the competition, the MCG bursting at the seams, and both lots absolutely convinced they’re the ones who deserve it more.

But when it matters, when the pressure’s really on, it’s Collingwood who keep finding a way. That’s not me being biased (well, maybe a bit). That’s just what the scoreboard keeps saying.

First Half: Carlton Threw Everything At Us

Fair play to the Blues, they came out firing. They wanted this one badly and it showed early, crashing packs, tackling like their season depended on it – which let’s be honest, it probably does.

There were stretches in that first half where I was properly worried. The corridor was getting cut open too easy and our defensive setup looked a bit ordinary at times. Anyone else screaming at the telly during that patch?

But that’s where this Collingwood side is different to years gone by. We don’t panic anymore. We soaked up the pressure, trusted the system, and waited for our moment.

The Third Quarter That Won It

Football games are so often decided in one twenty minute period, and this one was no different.

Collingwood came out after the main break and just took control of the contest. The midfield brigade started winning first use of it, our small forwards got busy at ground level, and suddenly the margin blew out before Carlton knew what hit them.

You could see the belief drain out of the Blues bench during that quarter. It’s a good feeling watching that happen to Carlton supporters, not gonna lie.

Umpiring Talking Points (Here We Go Again)

Now look, I try not to bang on about this every single week. But can somebody please explain some of those free kick counts to me?

There were a couple of high tackle calls that had me scratching my head, and at least one holding the ball decision that plenty of neutrals reckoned was soft as anything. I’m not saying it’s deliberate or that the umpires have got it in for us specifically – I’ll leave that conspiracy stuff to the keyboard warriors on social media.

But it does feel like every single week theres some 50-50 call that goes against the Pies at a crucial time. Maybe I’m just paranoid. Maybe every supporter feels like this about their own club. Who knows.

Best On Ground Conversation

Plenty of contenders this week which is always a good sign for the club.

Our midfield generals controlled the clearances for long stretches and looked composed with ball in hand all day. The defence, after that shaky opening term, absolutely stood tall when Carlton threw everything forward late trying to find a way back into it.

And up forward we had a couple of small forwards who made life miserable for the Carlton backline with their pressure around the ball. That’s the sort of relentless, four-quarter effort this current group prides itself on.

What This Means For September

Look, its only Round 19, and I’m not about to start printing premiership medallions just yet. We’ve been burned before getting ahead of ourselves.

But wins like this over quality opposition, in a genuine rivalry match, in front of a massive crowd at the home of footy – they matter. They tell you something about the character of this group.

Carlton are a genuinely good side. They’ll be there or thereabouts come finals time, and anyone writing them off after one loss to the Pies is kidding themselves. But when it came down to who wanted it more on the day, who could handle the big MCG occasion better, it was Collingwood every time.

The Rivalry Just Keeps Building

Every time these two clubs meet it feels bigger than the last one. The history between Collingwood and Carlton runs deep, and both fan bases absolutely hate losing to the other one. As it should be.

For us Pies supporters, this was another chapter we’ll happily add to the collection. Ask any Collingwood person walking out of the MCG after this one and they’ll tell you the same thing – there is nothing quite like beating Carlton.

Definately one of the better wins of our season so far, and coming at exactly the right time with finals footy right around the corner.

So carn the Pies, onwards we go. Bring on next week.