Collingwood has shown its premiership credentials with a convincing 30-point win over Richmond in the Community Series match at Ikon Park on Tuesday night. The Magpies overcame a slow start to dominate the second half and kick away from the Tigers, who wasted their opportunities and suffered a late injury scare to Jack Graham.
Collingwood’s midfield shines
The Magpies had a balanced and potent midfield that outplayed the Tigers in the contest and on the spread. Jordan De Goey was the standout with 22 disposals and a goal, showing his class and versatility as he rotated between the centre and the forward line. Patrick Lipinski continued his impressive pre-season form with 23 touches and two goals, while Will Hoskin-Elliott was lively with 24 possessions and 12 marks. The Daicos brothers, Nick and Josh, also had an impact with 21 and 18 disposals respectively, and a goal each.
Richmond’s wastefulness costs them
The Tigers started the game with more intensity and pressure, but failed to capitalise on their early dominance. They kicked 1.6 in the first quarter, with several shots missing from close range or hitting the post. They also gave away some costly turnovers that allowed the Magpies to score against the run of play. Dion Prestia and Noah Balta were the only goal kickers for the Tigers in the first half, as they trailed by 10 points at the main break. The second half was more of the same, as the Tigers managed only three more goals and finished with 5.16 for the game. Samson Ryan was the only multiple goal scorer for the Tigers with two, while Marlion Pickett and Billy Frampton added one each.
New coaches and recruits on display
The game was also a chance to see how the new coaches and recruits adapted to their new environments. For the Tigers, Adem Yze took the reins for the first time as the senior coach, replacing the departed Damien Hardwick. Yze had a positive start, as his team looked sharp and energetic in the first quarter, but could not sustain it for the whole game. He also had to deal with some injury concerns, as Jack Graham limped off the ground in the final minute with a suspected quad issue, and Josh Gibcus was subbed out with a concussion. Gibcus, a key defender, was one of the new faces for the Tigers, along with Tim David, a former cricketer who played as a forward. David showed some promise with 11 disposals and four marks, but did not hit the scoreboard.
For the Magpies, Craig McRae was also in his first official game as the head coach, after taking over from Nathan Buckley. McRae had a more satisfying night, as his team displayed a fast and fluent brand of football that overwhelmed the Tigers. He also had some new players to work with, such as Lachie Schultz, a former Docker who kicked a goal and applied pressure inside 50, and Reef McInnes and Charlie Dean, two young talls who came on in the second half and showed some aerial prowess.
What’s next for both teams
The Magpies and the Tigers will now turn their focus to the opening round of the season, where they will both travel north to face their opponents. The Magpies will take on the Giants at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, March 9, while the Tigers will face the Suns at the Gabba on the same day. Both teams will be hoping to start their campaigns on a positive note and build on their pre-season performances.