Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Sunday 15 April 1984, page 29


Essendon's Paul Salmon in top form again

Magpies' run ends

MELBOURNE: Essendon spoiled Collingwood's chanccs of keeping its unbeaten record intact by thrashing the Magpies at Windy Hill yesterday afternoon.

After an even first quarter, Essendon

finally won by 63 points, 26-13 (169) to 16-10 (106).

Collingwood was never in the match after quarter time as the Dons unleashed 16 goals in the second and third quarters to set up a commanding

break.

Once again Essendon's 19-year-old full-forward Paul Salmon was in fantastic

form. He booted eight goals to bring his tally for the season to 22.

The expected fireworks with the return of former Essendon tough man, Ron Andrews, to Windy Hill, did not eventuate.

Andrews started the game on Salmon and was shifted early in the second quarter when the Bombers' attack had kicked four goals.

Then, early in the third quarter, Andrews was taken from the ground.

The match was a scrambly affair with few memorable highlights.

Another former Essendon player, Jim McAllester, was reported during the second quarter for allegedly using insulting behaviour towards field umpire

Neville Nash. Goal umpire Brian Pratt laid the charge.

Collingwood started the game with plenty of enthusiasm and was confident

of victory when it trailed by only three points at the first change.

Young players like Neville Shaw, playing his first game, Darren

McLaine and Mark Beers, were providing

the impetus.

But after quarter time, Essendon got its running game going to perfection and Collingwood had no answer

to the talents of ruckrover Tim Watson, Simon Madden in the ruck, Terry Daniher, Merv Neagle and Peter Bradbury.

The Magpies' plight was not helped by the loss of its tallest player, Wes Fellowes, during the second quarter, when he suffered a sprained ankle. Experienced players, including recruits

David Cloke, Geoff Raines and Bruce Abernethy, let the Collingwood side down. Captain Mark Williams battled hard all day and so did rover Tony Shaw, who booted four goals.

Peter McCormack also played well

in patches and was the best of the three players used to try to stop the irrepressible Salmon.

Collingwood coach John Cahill said afterwards that the club expected

to win.

"But the defeats [have] made a lot of people around here humble," he

said.

Cahill said he was not looking for excuses, but it was obvious when Essendon started teaming well after quarter time, that his side missed running players like Mike Richardson,

Peter Daicos, Gary Shaw and Murray Browne.

Dons' coach Kevin Sheedy said he was pleased with the commitment shown by his players after criticism of their efforts against Hawthorn last

week.