Rocca kills off Swans

A masterpiece from Anthony Rocca has inspired Collingwood to an 18.17.125 to 13.9.87 win over

Sydney, consigning the Swans to their earliest exit from the finals in the Paul Roos era.

Rocca took nine marks and landed six goals, as the Pies spearhead guided his young teammates in times of need. He provided a telling focal point as

Sydney’s usually rock solid defence was at times a shambles, prone to silly errors and lack of communication.Collingwood conceded the first goal but drilled home the next six to open up a 41-10 quarter time lead. Rocca with two in the first term.The domination looked set to continue, when the lead stretched to 34, until Rocca left the field, carried off by two trainers with what appeared to be serious leg injury.

Coincidently, Sydney’s best period came when while Rocca was off. Adam Goodes moved closer to the action and had an immediate impact, with the Swans banging four goals in eight minutes, including a superb set shot by Jude Bolton after the half time siren.

Sydney were miraculously within ten points at half time.

Rocca’s leg proved to be fine and he returned after the break, but the tide appeared to have turned completely when Michael O’Loughlin finessed a one handed mark, before nailing the goal from a tight angle. The tide was stopped by that man Rocca, who found a settling goal. The fumbling amongst

Sydney’s defence returned, with the Pies taking advantage. Rocca had plenty of help, with Sean Rusling and Travis Cloke kicking three goals each as Collingwood opened up another significant lead.This time there would be no turnaround.Goodes and O’Loughlin were mighty, O’Loughlin finishing with four goals. Their presence though was not nearly enough to stop the Pies juggernaut.

“We match up really well against the Swans. No-one really backed us during the week,�? Rocca told Channel Ten.

“The boys put the ball into a spot where I could lead and take marks.�?

Collingwood set up a mouth watering clash with a depleted West Coast at Subiaco on Friday Night.

Share This Post! These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

If you enjoyed this post then make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed or
Subscribe to The Serve by Email

Published by: James Sylvester on September 8th, 2007
Filed under AFL, The Serve News

RSS feed | Trackback URI

Comments »

No comments yet.

The Serve