Stephenson's desperation won us the game against the Eagles

[RudeBoy]

With all the talk about Cox, Checkers, De Goey and even Adams' heroic efforts in winning us the game against the Eagles, I reckon one act of fierce determination and desperation in the closing minutes of the last quarter has somehow been overlooked - Stephenson's desperate punch and spoil of what would have been an Eagles mark right in front of goal. If they'd taken that mark then it would have been goodnight nurse for us. So since Stevo has copped heaps of criticism in recent weeks - from me included - I thought his match winning spoil was deserved of its own post. Well done Stevo. Keep it up kid.

[PyreneesPie]

^ Yep RudeBoy, I mentioned this also in post-match comments, after watching the replay.
I could just make out a long-sleeved Collingwood jumper punching the ball clear in those crucial circumstances. I figured it could be no other than Stephenson and added how he looked like an different player to last week. He certainly repaid the faith of the selectors by playing a solid game. Excellent to see.

[Mr Miyagi]

Stepho came good, was back to his confident self. Shame his run and long kick at goal just missed, that would have been a beauty — but great to see he backed himself to kick it. JDG wasn’t happy though, he was free haha

[Pies2016]

It’s probably the best he has felt about himself for a long while. Hopefully he builds on that again this week. His 360 metres gained from only 10 touches is a ridiculous stat but it also shows how damaging he can be when he’s in the mood.
Still on Stephenson, I heard a grab of Malthouse on the radio calling Stephenson a “ bit of a scaredy cat “. Regardless of his appetite for the contest or not, I thought it was an ordinary comment from Malthouse. For a bloke who sells himself as a father figure and mentor to young footballers, I’m not sure why a former coach would feel the need to demean a young player.
Sounds like Mick has fallen into the trap of attempting to remain relevant well after his glory days are long over.

[Cam]

As someone else mentioned, his 30m handball to Elliott [?] on the wing in the first got us running. He is a big key to our run and gun game.

[Johnno75]

I mentioned in the game thread that he had 313m gained (most for Pies) to half time and was giving us lots of drive from the wing.

Stevo and Daics will push Phillips out for good.

[K]

I was shocked by Malthouse's words about him on radio, replayed on Footy Classified last night.

[Haff]

Hopefully turned the corner. The coaches constantly talk about moments in the game nowadays. He certainly took his moments a few times. Pity he didn’t kick that goal on the run.

[Bruce Gonsalves]

I thought Stevo was done for the year, you can't lose talent and skill but glandular fever will knock the socks off anyone.

Go Stevo!!

[BazBoy]

I’ve had some thoughts on the kid and disturbing ones at that and I’ll wear egg on my face gladly because I like all of us must realise that when he does get back to his old self he has learned some important messages along the way
He has to a degree found some new ways to approach the game and as they say
Experience is the best teacher

[doriswilgus]

[BazBoy]

MM for mine is becoming a bitter old person

[TopGun]

Rewatch the match and check out how hard (and fast) and often Stevenson ran during the game to make position. I really liked his game and would not be surprised if kicks a few goals next while Cats concentrate on our 3 talls

[Pies4shaw]

Note to all - there is a slight technical defect with this thread. We've tried to correct it, without success.

- Pies4shaw for BBMods.

[think better]