Melbourne’s spot in the finals hangs in the balance after Magpies win
TODAY’S LINE-UP: Matthew Lloyd, Leigh Matthews, Caroline Wilson, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, and Doc Larkins.
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Magpie star Jeremy Howe spoke to 3AW in the rooms as Collingwood’s season ended.
He said he hasn’t seen a replay of today’s monster mark.
“I’m sure I’ll have a look at it tonight, maybe after a couple of beers, and I’ll get back to you,” Howe said.
Tony: On the fizz tonight?
Jeremy: (scoffs) Surely!
Click play for the full interview
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THE EQUATION
Collingwood has won by 16 points.
Jamie Elliott booted three, while Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Phillips, and Mason Cox all kicked two.
Melbourne remains 7th for the meantime, but their percentage has fallen from 106.4 to 105.2.
Their finals place is now contingent on the results of Essendon (8th) v Fremantle, West Coast (9th) v Adelaide, and Richmond v St Kilda (10th).
- If two or more of Essendon, West Coast, and St Kilda lose, Melbourne plays finals.
- If Essendon and West Coast win, and West Coast improves its percentage of 104.3 above Melbourne’s (about three goals), the Dees are out.
- If Essendon and St Kilda win, the Saints would have to win by around 100 points to overtake Melbourne.
- If West Coast and St Kilda win, the Saints would have to win by around 100 points to overtake Melbourne.
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HALF TIME
Collingwood leads by 28 points at the main break.
Jamie Elliott (seven marks, three goals) has been outstanding, while Jeremy Howe has taken (another) Mark of the Year contender.
In worse news for Melbourne, Jesse Hogan appears to have injured his left hamstring.
“I’m not optimistic he’ll come back (today), given they’ve got a finals campaign,” Doc said.
Steele Sidebottom also has a hamstring problem.
Click play for the half-time wrap, including Doc Larkins’ injury report
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Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney joined the 3AW commentary box before the game.
Viney said his foot is showing early signs of a stress fracture.
He said he’s still not sure if he’ll be available for the first week of the finals.
Click play for the full interview
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Collingwood star Taylor Adams spoke to 3AW in the lead-up to the game.
Adams said the players are right behind coach Nathan Buckley.
Caro: Do you believe the coach has lost the players?
Adams: Ah, no. I don’t.
Lloydy said Adams wouldn’t have been allowed back in the rooms if he’d given any other answer, but Caro said she had to ask.
Click play for the full interview
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THE BUILD-UP
Melbourne can officially secure its long-awaited return to finals with a win over Collingwood on Saturday.
But the Pies will be out to continue their strong finish to the season and take some positive energy into 2018.
Whatever the outcome, the No. 1 commentary team in the game has every moment covered!
BELOW: Follow live commentary highlights throughout the weekend.