Collingwood has gone down by 29 points in its Round 16 VFL clash against 4th-placed Geelong.
The Pies got off to the perfect start, with returnee Dan McStay taking a big mark in the goal square, and duly slotting the opening goal of the game.
Goals through mid-season draftees Jack Bytel and Lachie Sullivan also in the first term helped the home side to a slender lead at the first break.
It was Ben Crocker’s turn in the second quarter as he slammed home a pair of goals to continue the momentum generated in the first term, as the Pies lead by four points at the main break.
The Cats took some control in the third term with a four-goal to one term, as Harry Mahoney put his sixth goal of the year on the board to keep the Pies within touching distance.
McStay’s dream start in return game
All eyes were on key forward Dan McStay coming into the game, with the key forward suiting up for the first time in Pies VFL colours in almost 300 days having recovered from a knee injury.
The 29-year-old didn’t disappoint, using his big frame to clunk a mark in the goal square in the opening minutes of the game, before slotting the first goal of the day.
A sea of black and white jumpers swarmed on McStay to celebrate with the second-year Pie, who’s rehab journey has been a source of inspiration all season.
McStay played three quarters on the day, recording seven disposals and four marks in a successful return to play.
Sullivan begins with a bang
While not a renowned goal-kicker throughout his brilliant Collingwood career so far, Lachie Sullivan added goals number two and three in Pies colours in rapid fashion on Saturday afternoon.
Both coming about through great skill work, he finished strongly on his right boot early in the contest, before snapping on his left as the first quarter wound down to secure a brace to half time.
A strong clearance and tackle player, Sullivan’s ability to hit the scoreboard as well will be crucial to his side’s hopes both at AFL and VFL level for the remainder of 2024.
Bytel goes from strength to strength
It seems that mid-season draftee Jack Bytel’s confidence is growing every week he pulls the black and white jumper on this season, with the midfielder producing another brilliant performance on Saturday.
Playing in his 10th game at VFL level this season where he has recorded 36, 31, and 29 disposals in his last three fixtures respectively, and he backed it up again on Saturday to cap off a stellar month with 33 touches.
With slick hands and pristine skills by foot, Bytel has become one of the most trusted and relied upon players in Josh Fraser’s side in 2024 and continues to push his game forward.
Supported well by Sullivan and Finlay Macrae in the middle, as well as Reef McInnes at times, the Pies’ midfield depth continues to shine through.
Glover’s unbelievable year continues
Not many players have had as consistent and impactful a season as Co-Captain Sam Glover, with the tall utility proving yet again why he is so crucial to his team.
Playing in defence as he has for the majority of the year, Glover’s aerial presence was yet again on full display, while he ball use was typically sound.
Taking a lot of the kick outs, the left footer’s piercing boot allowed the Pies to open the game up on many occasions, and helped them to a first half lead.
The skipper finished with 28 disposals and nine marks in yet another brilliant outing for his side.
McInnes steps up for five quarters on the weekend
Despite playing in Friday night’s AFL game as the substitute, Reef McInnes suited up in black and white on Saturday afternoon and impressed in his second game in as many days.
Playing forward early, the 21-year-old showcased his athleticism and jumping ability to play his role in a stellar first half from the team.
However, it was his ability to run out the game that impressed, linking up through the middle for multiple chains of possessions, namely in the final term.
He finished with 18 disposals and eight marks in an impressive weekend for the Pies’ young star.
The Pies take on Carlton at Ikon Park next Sunday.
COLLINGWOOD 4.2 7.3 8.5 11.8 (74)
GEELONG 3.2 6.5 10.9 15.3 (103)
GOALS
Collingwood: Crocker 3, Mahoney 2, Sullivan 2, McStay, Bytel, Macrae, Allan