Crows v Magpies, snippets

TURNING POINT: Collingwood was in trouble when they trailed by 24 points late in the second quarter. But the Magpies remained bold and tried to play on at all costs. Their free-wheeling tactics set Dane Swan up for two goals in the dying minutes of the first half and gave them both hope and momentum for the rest of the contest.

CLASSIC GRAB: Scott Stevens was on fire in the second quarter and his first goal for the term came from a well judged mark. The former Swan took the ball above his head and in his finger tips despite the spoiling attempts of Simon Prestigiacomo and Cox.

STAR MAN: Dale Thomas was a key player in Collingwood's victory with his hard-running and pin-point passing under pressure. His fourth term was particularly impressive as he set-up a number forward thrusts from the midfield.

ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Travis Cloke had a chance to give his side a handy 12-point lead during the third quarter. He took a mark on the edge of the centre square but was given an easy shot when he benefited from a 50-metre penalty. But he dragged the shot across his body and kicked the ball out of bounds, much to the delight of the AAMI Stadium crowd.

WHAT A GOAL!: Collingwood dominated the third term and finished the stanza on a high thanks to a team-lifting major from Dale Thomas. Positioned at half forward, Josh Fraser tapped the ball down to the midfielder who instinctively slammed the ball onto his boot. He got good purchase and the wobbly 45-metre kick crossed the line with only seconds left on the clock.

UNSUNG HERO: Paul Medhurst showed he's more than just a flashy player with an important role in attack against Adelaide. The former Docker surprised the Crows' defence by setting up a number of team-mates for goals rather than trying to do the impossible by himself. His coach Mick Malthouse said his forward has improved because he's playing the percentages.