Collingwood have handed GWS their first VFL loss of the season, winning by 11 points in a wet contest at Victoria Park on Saturday.

It was just the second time in two years the two sides have faced in the VFL, with the last match coming in the same round in 2023 where the GIANTS won by two points.

However, it was the Magpies who got the upper hand this time around, with former Brownlow medallist and Premiership player Tom Mitchell leading the way.

The 31-year-old, who returned to competitive football last week, appeared in all four quarters in his second game back, Mitchell (21 disposals, 13 tackles) was instrumental in Collingwood’s win.

GWS started the day showing their dominance with repeat scoring opportunities, with Collingwood quickly finding themselves in a 14-to-nothing scoreline.

19-year-old forward Charlie West quickly managed to turn it around for the Pies however, able to find the goals quickly with livewire VFL forward Harry Mahoney quickly following.

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West gets up in VFL

Collingwood forward Charlie West shows off his aerial ability in VFL clash against GWS

Josh Browne and Chad Mulvogue followed suit with their own majors, giving Collingwood a nine-point buffer at the first break.

With the rain coming and going throughout the entire match, the Pies were able to outplay the GIANTS who struggled to capitalise in their forward 50.

The Pies, who are top ranked in the VFL for consistency in front of goal, were better able to take advantage of their chances, finishing the first half with 75% accuracy compared to the Giants’ 33%.

West again kicked things off in the second half, kicking his third for the day and pushing the margin out to 10 points.

It didn’t take the GIANTS long to find the goals again, until a classy goal from former Hawk and VFL recruit Josh Bennetts helped the Pies finish the third term by 11 points.

The final quarter was a constant back and forth, with defensive duo Charlie Dean (22 disposals, 13 intercept possessions) and VFL captain Sam Glover (21 disposals, 12 intercept possessions) not allowing GWS to score a goal in the final term.

Collingwood stayed in the fight, handing top-of-the-ladder GWS their first VFL loss of the season.

MATCH CENTRE: COLLINGWOOD V GWS

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VFL Highlights: Collingwood v GWS

The Magpies and Giants clash in Round 8 of the VFL.

The numbers:

Harry DeMattia (20 contested possessions, eight inside 50s) continued his impressive form following his move to the inside midfield, while Tom Mitchell (24 disposals, 13 tackles) showed Collingwood fans he’s on track in his return to AFL football.

Charlie Dean (13 intercepts), Sam Glover (12 intercepts) and Oleg Markov (12 intercepts) were crucial in defence with GWS constantly showing their fight up forward, while Josh Browne (18 disposals, seven tackles) provided defensive pressure all over the ground.

Charlie West (three goals) was the only multiple goal scorer of the day, while Harrison Kennedy (five inside 50s, one goal) helped to find his fellow forwards.

The Magpies now turn their attention to their Round 9 clash against North Melbourne on Sunday 25 May at Victoria Park (2:05pm AEST).

COLLINGWOOD  4.0      6.2     8.5     8.8    (56)
GWS                    2.3      4.8    5.12   5.15   (45)

GOALS:
Collingwood: Charlie West (3), Chad Mulvogue, Harry Mahoney, Harrison Kennedy, Josh Browne, Josh Bennetts
GWS: Nathan Wardius, Harry Rowston, Ryan Hebron, Phoenix Gothard, Josh Fahey

BEST:
Collingwood: Charlie Dean, Tew Jiath, Harry DeMattia, Tom Mitchell, Charlie West, Brady Grey