King’s Birthday Clash at the MCG
Collingwood and Melbourne are facing off in the annual King’s Birthday match at the MCG.
The event has already featured an Olympic champion, a Tour de France winner, and several Australian captains taking part in the Big Freeze fundraiser by jumping into icy water.
For updates, check out our live blog, stay on top of the numbers in our ScoreCentre, and catch all the action on our live radio broadcast.
Pickett lights up the MCG
Kozzie Pickett was electric as he latched onto a loose handball and in one fluid motion snapped truly off his right boot. Pendlebury had no chance of stopping him. Pickett is up to 15 disposals and three goals, as Melbourne has kicked three goals to Collingwood’s one this term.
Fritsch’s costly error
A superb end-to-end transition saw Melksham find an unmarked Fritsch inside 50. But Fritsch inexplicably tried to play on, unaware of Isaac Quaynor closing in. Quaynor’s bump forced a hurried shot that missed the mark. Scores remain level—a huge missed chance for Melbourne.
Fritsch’s third keeps the Dees alive
Despite that mistake, Fritsch has been key in the final quarter. After Melksham brought a high ball to ground in a marking contest, Fritsch gathered the crumbs and goaled from close range. That’s his third goal of the game and a vital one for the Dees.
Pickett’s blunder proves costly
Pickett was penalised for holding the ball when Nick Daicos laid a strong tackle in the middle of the ground. Pickett compounded the error by failing to give the ball back quickly, conceding a 50-metre penalty. Daicos made no mistake from 25 metres out. He now has 15 disposals and seven clearances—a huge effort.
Wasteful but lucky for Melbourne
Melbourne’s forward play was disjointed, with Sparrow ignoring a free Pickett in favour of a long bomb to Gawn. It eventually ended with Fritsch, who ignored Pickett again but somehow snapped a goal from a near-impossible angle.
Petty misses a chance
Harry Petty won a free for a push in the back in Melbourne’s forward line but missed the set shot, sending it out on the full. This final term will be decided by whichever side can take its opportunities.
20 minutes to decide it
Collingwood appeared poised to run away with the game after Ned Long’s goal gave them a 20-point buffer, but Melbourne has clawed back. The Dees are well in the contest if they can stay calm and avoid wasting chances. Fritsch and Melksham are causing headaches for the Pies’ defenders.
Melbourne leads inside 50s 42-33 and clearances 28-24. Josh Daicos leads all players with 31 disposals, while Clayton Oliver tops the Dees with 22 touches and five clearances.
Petty’s late goal cuts the gap
Petty won another free kick after Darcy Moore held his arm in a marking contest. He converted to cut the margin to seven points late in the third quarter.
Bobby Hill joins the scorers
Bobby Hill kicked his first goal of the game after winning a free for tripping when Xavier Lindsay’s tackle slipped low. Hill made no mistake from directly in front. Collingwood has been clinical, converting four of their six inside 50s this term. Lindsay has been subbed off, replaced by Caleb Windsor.
Melbourne’s final push
The Demons have found another gear in the final few minutes. Fritsch took a big contested mark, and Frampton’s unnecessary shove gave away a 50-metre penalty that ensured the goal. Melbourne has won every centre clearance this quarter, with Oliver and Petracca linking up to send the ball inside 50 again. Oliver’s long left-footed pass found Melksham on the lead, and Melksham kicked an essential goal to keep the Dees in striking distance.
