Pies vindicated by Noble and Cox selection calls in Dees win

The most important storyline in the lead-up to Collingwood’s 60-53 win over Melbourne in Thursday’s Qualifying Remaining was John Noble’s shock omission from the Magpies’ line-up.

Noble was axed by the Pies after enjoying 83 consecutive video games as Craig McRae and his match committee went with the likes of Oleg Markov and Will Hoskin-Elliott to assist the likes of Darcy Moore, Nathan Murphy, Brayden Maynard, Isaac Quaynor and Jeremy Howe down again.

SEN’s David King believes the Magpies had been vindicated in their Noble resolution after Hoskin-Elliott in specific had among the finest video games of his profession.

The versatile possibility was clear all night time with 20 disposals (19 kicks), 5 marks, 5 tackles and 10 inside 50s.

“They made the best name,” King stated on SEN Breakfast.

“Dropping John Noble was the 100 per cent proper name as a result of while you have a look at, Hoskin-Elliott going to half again. I assumed that was one of the best recreation I’ve seen him play.

“He was completely terrific. They received full tote odds out of him.

“That backline has by no means seemed as settled.”

One other selection name that drew consideration was Collingwood’s resolution to go together with each Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox in moist situations.

Whereas Kane Cornes stated pre-game he wouldn’t have picked the American, he believes the decision to play him was proper as he helped match Max Gawn early and collected a game-high 34 hitouts.

“I would not have performed Cox,” Cornes stated.

“I stated that earlier than the sport, and on the time that was my perception.

“However in the tip, they received the selection spot on.

“You have to hand it to them they see every little thing behind the scenes and all of that and we get a view on it as soon as per week from our place.

“They made the best name on that.”

One other large distinction in the sport was the efficient of the small forwards at both finish.

King believes the likes of Bobby Hill and Beau McCreery uncovered Melbourne’s small defenders when the sport was there to be received early.

“I additionally assume Bobby Hill’s recreation it was refreshing to see him again himself like that, McCreery’s velocity was essential, however they only outran them,” King stated.

“They had been far too fast for the halfback flanker sorts of the Demons.

“They had been uncovered time and time once more, notably in the first 40 minutes when the sport was at its hottest.”

Cornes agreed with King as he credited Hill’s accuracy in entrance of purpose in comparison with his Melbourne adversary Kysaiah Pickett who was wasteful.

“Once you evaluate Hill’s efficiency to Pickett in the identical position,” Cornes stated.

“Pickett had his alternatives squandered them. Hill had his alternatives, similar variety of disposals with 13.

“Bobby Hill kicked 3.1 to Pickett’s 1.3, that’s the distinction in the sport as effectively.”

Collingwood now put together for a house Preliminary Remaining whereas Melbourne will face the winner of Carlton v Sydney in a Semi Remaining on the MCG subsequent weekend.