Backline rallied after external criticism

The Pies back six were under immense pressure from the first bounce and if they weren't so composed the margin could have been ugly. Brayden Maynard finished with nine intercepts, Darcy Moore eight, John Noble seven and Jeremy Howe and Isaac Quaynor six apiece. Maynard also managed six score involvements and Quaynor four.

Howe earns coaches' MVP

Our acting captain was the coaches' most valued contributor. He finished with 22 disposals (his top season performance so far), nine marks and six intercepts.

Noble consistently delivers

John Noble has been producing admirable performances every week and was among our best on Friday night - along with his seven intercepts he finished with five score involvements (the most for Collingwood), five inside 50s and six marks.

Slow start cost the game

The Bulldogs dominated clearances early and kicked the first six goals of the match - opening a 39-point lead we were unable to claw back.

Fly not making excuses

“I don’t want to sit here and make excuses for our effort because I thought we were poor. I think anyone watching at home would say the same," Fly said in an honest appraisal post-match. "I just want to be better than that, I want to put a display on. Friday night lights are bright and they were shining on us and we were disappointing."