Star forward Jordan De Goey has returned from injury in style, booting four goals to help Collingwood to a 31-point AFL win over Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.
The Magpies made a sluggish start but dominated the wayward Lions in Saturday night’s second half to cruise to a 14.20 (104) to 11.7 (73) victory.
Prime movers Taylor Adams (33 disposals, eight clearances) and Steele Sidebottom starred in the midfield while Brody Mihocek (three goals) and Jaidyn Stephenson (two) also impressed.
The win leaves Collingwood fifth on the ladder ahead of a big game against seventh-placed Port Adelaide at the MCG next week.
Brisbane went a man down midway through the first term when key defender Darcy Gardiner dislocated his shoulder in an innocuous marking contest with De Goey.
Nick Robertson was handed the job on De Goey after Gardiner went down and was well-beaten by the Magpies young gun, who played a deep-forward role after missing the past two games with a stress injury in his lower leg.
A fit De Goey looms as the Magpies’ most important player in September given his ability to impact games up forward and in the midfield.
Brisbane had by far the better start but were made to pay for their wasteful ball use and frequent turnovers out of their defensive-50.
The Lions had the first two goals of the game and led the inside-50 count 14 to one midway through the opening term.
Collingwood ramped up their forward pressure in the second term and were rewarded with a three-point lead at halftime.
Turnovers continued to kill the Lions with normally reliable veteran Luke Hodge responsible for some glaring errors.
The third term was played almost entirely in Collingwood’s forward-50 and the Lions never looked like recovering despite their promising start.
Top draft picks Cam Rayner and Hugh McCluggage both showed glimpses of their talent during the Lions’ strong first half.
The bullocking Rayner smothered a clearing kick, then followed up by winning his own ball and dishing a handball to Daniel McStay who kicked truly.
McCluggage then evaded his man with a classy sidestep before nailing a pinpoint pass to McStay for a set-shot goal to extend the Lions’ lead.
Dayne Beams (33 touches) fought a lone hand in the midfield for the Lions while Harris Andrews racked up 11 marks and held Mason Cox goalless.
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