Round 2 1996

Round 2, 1996
Collingwood vs Melbourne
Monday 8 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 53,268

Collingwood win by 94 points

Goalkickers: Shaun Smith 6, David Neitz 2, Glenn Lovett 1, Garry Lyon 1, Clay Sampson 1

Brownlow Votes:
Nil

Milestones:
MFC debut
Craig Nettelbeck

First goal
Clay Sampson (7th game)

Already smarting from their 127 point loss to Geelong in the opening round and a host of serious injuries, Melbourne's season 1996 went from bad to worse when the Pies racked up their highest ever score against the old enemy.

The Demons were lucky not to lose by a hundred again, and were beaten all over the ground but especially in the midfield where Collingwood's centreman did as they liked. Melbourne's forward line wasn't disgraced, but a lack of speed amongst the ball carriers meant the ball was more often than not down the other end.

The match was noticeable for more than the huge score, with a 20 player melee erupting at quarter time and the last quarter featuring a combined total of 15.0. Jim Stynes, David Neitz, Craig Nettelbeck, Andrew Obst and Donald Cockatoo-Collins were reported for their role in the brawl. Amidst confusion about the league's melee rules, which had been given to the tribunal to decide on in 1996,Stynes and Nettleback had their charges withdrawn, Neitz and Obst were cleared and Cockatoo-Collins fined $1000.

Best were Neitz, Clarkson and M. Febey.

General Manager Hassa Mann publicly questioned the team's style of play after the match, critical of a high possession style and suggesting the board would meet with Neil Balme to discuss. He said: "Maybe we've got to go back to being a defensive type side, and in restricting the opposition, maybe we can win matches kicking 12 or 14 goals."

Reserves
Collingwood 22.20.152 d. Melbourne 8.7.55
Goals - Bartul 1, Bradly 1, Gehling 1, Lamprill 1, McDonald 1, O'Brien 1, Ormond-Allen 1, Polley 1
Best - McHardy, Lamprill, Hilton
Reports - O'Brien reported for strking

Lists
Highest scores conceded
Tribunal

Media
Age - 07/04/1996, 08/04/1996, 09/04/1996, 11/04/1996
Football Record - R3 1996