ONE FOR THE AGES
THE 2018 GRAND FINAL AT A GLANCE
THE STORY
Collingwood got off to a bad start as far as omens are concerned when their banner was ripped to shreds before the players even ran out. But after the ball was bounced it was all black and white. The Pies led by 29 points before taking a 17-point lead into the first break. West Coast worked into the game nicely in a second-term arm wrestle, slicing the margin to two goals at halftime. The Eagles had the better of the third quarter, the scores were tied at three-quarter time. The sides traded blows in a pulsating final term before Dom Sheed landed the killer blow.
THE GOAL
Sheed claimed a vital contested mark with one minute and 45 seconds left on the clock. He was deep in a pocket at the Punt Rd End, but calmly slotted a drop punt through to give his side a lead they wouldn’t give up.
THE MOMENT
The Pies clung desperately to a two-point lead when they got a rare inside 50 as the clock ticked down. But Jeremy McGovern rose high to take a trademark intercept mark. Nathan Vardy and Liam Ryan were crucial in a string of play that ended with the ball in Sheed’s hands for the last goal of the game.
THE STAR
Luke Shuey was a popular choice for the Norm Smith Medal. West Coast’s star midfielder gathered a game-high 34 possessions, had eight clearances, laid eight tackles, kicked a goal and had five score assists.
THE QUOTE
“I don’t really remember it right now, it’s s al all still so raw and surreal ... I can’t believe I’ve got a medal around my neck.” — Dom Sheed in the rooms on his match-winning goal.
THE STATS
After conceding the first two goals of the final term, the Eagles attacked in waves. They won the inside 50s 18-7 for the quarter, but almost kicked themselves out of it with 3.6 coming from that dominance.
THE INJURIES
Brayden Maynard (Collingwood) was in the wars, copping a shirtfront from Liam Ryan and later injuring a shoulder. Eagles duo Jeremy Howe (ankle) and Jeremy McGovern (hip) were the question marks going into the match but both played well.