Under-fire Collingwood are counting the cost on multiple fronts after a second-quarter masterclass from Jack Darling helped guide West Coast to a 27-point AFL victory at Optus Stadium.
The Magpies led by 15 points after an impressive opening term on Friday night, but the loss of star duo Jordan de Goey and Jeremy Howe to injury proved costly.
De Goey was subbed out of the game after copping an accidental hip to the face from Eagles midfielder Tim Kelly in the first quarter.
Blood streamed out of De Goey’s broken nose as he was assisted off the ground, and although he made a brief return, he was later diagnosed with concussion.
“More than likely he misses another week,” Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said.
“I don’t think he’ll miss any more than that with his nose, but he won’t be able to play next week given the (concussion) rules.”
Howe appears set for a sizeable stint on the sidelines after injuring his right hamstring in a marking contest during the second term.
The 30-year-old immediately grabbed on the upper part of his right hamstring after landing, and he could barely bend his leg as he was helped off the ground.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Darling was unstoppable during the second quarter, booting three goals from strong marks and another major after catching speedy defender Isaac Quaynor holding the ball.
His efforts helped propel West Coast to a 12-point lead by halftime, and they put Collingwood to the sword in the third quarter to run away with the 16.7 (103) to 11.10 (76) win in front of 54,159 fans.
Darling finished with 5.1 from 15 disposals, while Oscar Allen was also critical with five goals and four contested marks in arguably his best game at AFL level.
Midfielder Dom Sheed iced the game late in the third quarter with three goals in the space of two minutes, while Jeremy McGovern was brilliant in defence.
“Jack stood up, Dom had a little period of brilliance there, and I thought McGovern was our best player,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
Buckley rolled the dice by sending defender Darcy Moore into attack, and the All Australian finished with three goals and eight marks from nine disposals.
Moore had four disposals and a goal in the opening term, but his next possession didn’t come until the ten-minute mark of the fourth quarter when he booted his second goal.
The injuries to De Goey and Howe come at a bad time for the Magpies, who are now 1-4 and are also without star midfielder Taylor Adams for at least another nine weeks.
West Coast suffered their own major blow during the week when Liam Ryan was cut down by a stress reaction in his shin that could sideline him for up to eight weeks.
Defender Tom Cole suffered a horrific clash of heads with teammate Josh Rotham late in Friday’s match but Simpson is optimistic there wasn’t a concussion.
Collingwood bucked the odds to beat West Coast by one point in last year’s elimination final in Perth, and their spirited opening quarter would have given their fans hope for a repeat result.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy drifted forward to boot two goals from two strong marks, while Moore added one himself to give the Magpies the momentum.
But the game turned dramatically from that point on courtesy of Darling’s second-quarter rampage.
And with Allen also plucking a series of strong grabs, Collingwood’s defence wilted.
The margin blew out to 41 points at the final change, with a three-goal fightback from Collingwood early in the last quarter proving too little, too late.
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
Injuries bring opportunity. Lets face it, Collingwood's 2021 season is over. But they can salvage something from 2021 by trying some new players. Maybe some top end talent (like a Jayden Stevenson), will emerge. Howe has been excellent but he turns 31 this year and his body is showing signs of wear. Scott Pendlebury, Levi Greenwood, Mason Cox, Chris Mayne, Steele Sidebottom and Jordan Roughead, will all be at least 30 by the year's end. The window is closed and the rebuild beckons.
Greg
Roar Rookie
In a disappointing, disjointed game where the inability to deliver the ball into the forward line was obvious, new players impressed. Some will say Moore being moved was a positive. I don't think so. Its too late now to save the season. It may be too late to save the club from the doldrums. Sad to say, but SS and the skipper are at the end of great careers. Blind Freddie could see the others that have played some great games but, the need for youth is obvious.
Klompy
Guest
Well the mighty Eagles did not go to sleep this week. Now back it up and beat the Cats next Week, Go the mighty Eagles.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Howe seems to have lost his agility following last years injury.
okapiman
Roar Rookie
Collingwood is an average side. Making up the numbers in 2021. Most teams will beat them. The Collingwood chipping game helps build confidence in their opposition, and they are a good club to play against, as they make you play to a level, not too high, plus your team gets the ability to practice set plays for the big games ahead.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Depends on the sort of forwards they’re coming up against and how beneficial will intercept marking be. You’re right about degoey which is unfortunate
Angela
Roar Rookie
The Marxist returns. Where have you been? Sweeping the streets and cleaning chimneys? Welcome back working class boy.
DeGoey has not contributed much anyhow; on the other hand, Howe is vital to the defence. Difficult to see how his intercept marking can be covered without returning Moore to defence. I hope they don't. In any case, I am more upbeat now that Buckley has shown he is willing to be more inventive. Collingwood were very patchy but for periods they moved the ball as well as I have seen them do all year especially when they created space through the middle.
The Ghost
Guest
Years of arrogance, and racism has taken its toll on this club. Eddie is still talking up Collingwood’s faux success, just like some Pies fans still try and convince others that they are the club of the working class. Reality according to Collingwood: Collingwood is the most successful club in the world, who are also a working class club who despise big money. Reality according to everyone else: Collingwood are blow hards who hang their hats on coming second, winning preliminary finals, and getting to grand finals only to lose them. Collingwood are also the club of big capital. Most of their fans wouldn’t know a worker if they fell over one. A big cultural shift is needed at this club. Modernity is passing this stale old club by. Eat ‘em alive Tigers!
Holdingtheball
Roar Rookie
On paper a good fightback win for WC. But a fairly slow moving game. That style won't hold up against Geelong next week. But good too see 2 rucks and Allen unleashed. Keep it up.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I don’t think it’s the end of the world, admittedly I’m an Essendon supporter, but even then I think the pies can pretty easily cover Howe and De Goey, they can bring Oli Henry in for either of those players, and potentially look at moving Mihocek or Pendles back as a defender and bring in a rotation for them