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Another great game for a newcomer is Collingwood’s Joe Richards, a mature-age recruit, who has kicked one goal, two behinds, and had two crucial assists.
The Pies plucked him out of country footy, taking hi at pick No.48 from the Wangaratta Magpies.
He’s up to 12 disposals, four tackles and five score involvements, as Collingwood run away with this game.
The Magpies are now up by 41-points, the last goal through Bobby Hill.
Joe Richards of the Magpies.Credit: Getty
Tyrell Dewar’s mum and dad had to wipe away a few tears after their son kicked a stunning goal on the run in his debut game.
The 20-year-old 2023 Category B rookie from Kalgoorlie came through the Naitanui Academy program and has been in impressive form in the WAFL, with at least one goal in his last five appearances.
Tyrell Dewar of the Eagles.Credit: Getty
Now, he’s on the goalscoring board in the AFL.
This from our reporter Andrew Stafford:
That could spark the Eagles, who are very much still in the game as Collingwood try to reset.
Finlay Macrae just strolled in for his second goal — once again, via an assist via Joe Richards.
But Pies fans will be just as pleased to see Macrae making an impact. He was heavily hyped in the pre-season as being ready to take the next step in his career, but has failed to take his opportunities to date.
Collingwood have a real injury crisis on their hands now though, with Harrison and Howe both ruled out. They’ll get Lachie Schultz back from suspension next week, and probably Beau McCreery (concussion). They’ll need them badly.
The casualty ward this weekend goes from bad to worse with Jack Petruccelle off for the Eagles with an ankle injury.
Harvey Johnston has come on as the sub for West Coast, who have gotten their second goal of the game through Jack Williams.
However, Finlay Macrae answered it for the Magpies.
Collingwood by 22.
Harley Reid of the Eagles.Credit: Getty
That’s not a good sight for Magpies fans.
Veteran defender Jeremy Howe, who was thrown forward to help with the injury-toll up there, has been subbed off with a groin injury.
He is sitting on the bench with ice.
Former Saint Jack Bytel, a top-up supplemental selection, is on for his debut in black and white.
Collingwood probably should have ended that first quarter further in front, but they were too good for the Eagles early despite their heavily re-jigged lineup.
Debutant Joe Richards was especially impressive, with eight disposals and two behinds, both of them from difficult shots.
He also dished off a direct assist to Finlay Macrae and looks a natural footballer, completely unfazed.
Now, let’s see what they can do in the second quarter.
Collingwood by 21.
Joe Richards of the Magpies.Credit: Getty
So far, it’s all the Pies. They take a 21-point lead into the first change of the game.
Harvey Harrison has just limped to the bench in the hands of trainers.
Harrison is inexperienced, but was incredibly important against Carlton last week — the Pies certainly don’t need anyone else to go down. He’s heading for the rooms.
It’s a good start for Collingwood.
Even without the three goal advantage on the scoreboard, the Magpies are dominating this game. They have their pressure gauge turned up, are moving the ball with pace and are defending well.
Although giving Eagles fans something to cheer about, Harley Reid flew to take a huge pack mark in the middle of the park.
This from our AFL reporter Andrew Stafford:
Collingwood are having much the better of the opening exchange, but the Harley show has begun with a hanger from three deep.
We seem to see “generational players” every year these days.
Collingwood by 20.
Craig McRae has started stalwart defender Jeremy Howe in attack, where he started his career, given the Magpies’ loss of leading forwards Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott.
It’s already paid dividends with the high-flyer already on the board.
Collingwood are also going to need to put extreme pressure on the opposition ball-carrier to create enough opportunities to score today.
They’re all over the Eagles so far in that regard.
Collingwood by 17.
Scott Pendlebury tackled by Harley Reid.Credit: Getty