Collingwood's VFL side got their season off to an absolute flyer after a thrilling win over the Box Hill Hawks on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Craig Black named a strong squad boasting 16 AFL listed players, Collingwood have put a real emphasis on having a high standard reserves team in 2022.
Draftees Arlo Draper, Harvey Harrison and Cooper Murley played their first game in the black and white. While the experienced Neville Jetta also put on the guernsey for the first time. Jetta will be a player / coach for the season to help the development of what is a very young list. Ex-Richmond defender Derek Eggmolesse-Smith also debuted for Collingwood, signing on as a VFL player for 2022.
Last season’s mid-year recruit Ash Johnson also played his first official game for Collingwood after an injury interrupted second half of 2021. Johnson kicked one goal with 15 disposals, playing a dual ruck /forward role.
Johnson shared the ruck duties with fellow mid-season draftee Aiden Begg. Begg was awesome in the ruck all day, demonstrating his great jumping and athletic prowess. Begg amassed 26 hit-outs, eight clearances and 7 disposals.
The first third of the game was largely played in the Box Hill half after Callan Wellings kicked the first goal of the game. The Hawks kicked seven of the first ten goals to stretch out a comfortable lead mid way through the second quarter.
With the Hawks on top, it was co-captain Lachlan Tardrew who changed the tide of the game. He kicked his second goal to stem the Hawks momentum and was instrumental in and under the contest. Tardrew finished the game with a best on ground performance of 25 disposals and 11 marks to go with his goals.
Reef McInnes got the Pies right back in it on the scoreboard thanks to a quick fire two goals. The first a nice snap with his right foot, the second with his left foot. Playing a role as a deep forward for the first half, he moved into the midfield as the game wore on. He had 16 disposals at end the day, showing strong signs with 4 clearances.
Small forward Sam Fowler put Collingwood in front mid way through the second quarter with a sublime dribbling goal from 30 meters out. Fowler has been an instrumental part of the VFL side for several years now and continues to impress year on year. His 4 goals were crucial in getting the team back into the game.
It was a back and forth second half, with both teams demonstrating elite skills in front of goal.
Harrison and Murley kicked their first goals for Collingwood. Despite having quiet days, it’s great for these youngsters to get a grip of playing against senior bodies.
As the game wore on, it was the midfield that really stepped up. Callum Brown was enormous in the contest, displaying his run and speed through the centre. He had a game high 31 disposals, five clearances, six inside-50's and a really important goal midway through the third term.
Into the final quarter it was the Hawks who looked to have the legs, kicking three goals in a row to make it tough for the Pies. However in heroic fashion, Tom Wilson stood up when the team needed him most. Playing across the half forward line and up on a wing, Wilson was industrious all day. His strong running meant he was able to push deep forward late in the game and kicked three final term goals to win the game for the Pies.
His most important of the day, a set shot from 40 meters out with mere seconds to go sailed through the big sticks.
Best: Tardrew, Brown, Wilson, Fowler, Jetta, McInnes, Begg
Goals: Wilson 4, Fowler 4, Tardrew 2, McInnes 2, Brown, Harrison, Johnson, McMahon, Murley, Wellings
