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.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
6 x 6, clearly you haven't even watched the Greenwood non incident.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
With the number of Freo players with injury setbacks, Fas is not an attractive proposition. With Ballantyne, Walters, Switkowski (brilliant debut today) and Grey, Fas isn't needed and Harley is better than them all. You'll be holding onto him.
User
Roar Rookie
Lol you obviously have little understanding of what constitutes assault nanny the scribe. Go ask your son's okeydoke
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Come off it 6 x 6, have a look at it. To compare it to the Gaff incident is ridiculous.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Exactly, Peter. Rubbish! A case of a bloke with little talent 'annoying' a bloke with loads of talent. Whatever it takes, hey?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Probably the death sentence.
User
Roar Rookie
If it had happened on the street ttf it would've been assault.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
This was such an important win for the Pies. Beat Port and Freo and we should play Tigers in the qualifying final.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Steady Chris. Reid is probably done but has a year left. Dunn is out of contract but won't be available until halfway through 2019. Goldsack is the heart and soul of the club and will get another year. Broomhead can be small forward insurance in 2019. As for Elliott and Fasolo, they will probably go. Fas to Freo. Elliott might get a year. Moore looks destined for Sydney and will take his hamstring issues there.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Rubbish, there was nothing in it. He was just annoying him not hurting him.
Chris
Guest
Peter, it looks like the end of the road for at least three or four injury-prone Pies. Do we trade Elliott, Fasolo, Reid, Goldsack, Dunne, Broomhead and Moore? Our October trade looms like a really tricky affair, indeed. I would rather see young blokes given opportunities. Bring on Magden, Murphy, McLarty, and recruit guys that can stand upto the rigours of the AFL.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Levi Greenwood . . . what a hero! Despicable act on Zorko who did well to contain himself. Another example of a very average footballer whose sole intention is to put a genuine star off his game. Woeful, Levi. Go get a kick.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Don’t know quite what to make of that, 34 shots to 18 guess we should’ve won by more. The % would have been handy. WCE did us a huge favour beating the Power. With Freo the last game we should play finals. No new injuries in seniors though Ben Reid is clearly done in the twos.