COLLINGWOOD might have arrived at the expected destination, but there were some unpredicted detours along the way.

The ladder-leading Magpies – now 10 points clear of second-placed Brisbane – had to claw and fight for the 29-point victory over West Coast on Saturday evening, stunted and pressured at nearly every turn.

West Coast's work ethic was unquestioned, but ultimately the class of Collingwood led to the 13.10 (88) to 8.11 (59) victory in its second Marvel Stadium home game of the season.

The work of Scott Pendlebury (28 disposals, nine clearances, one goal) and Darcy Cameron (20 disposals, nine clearances, 36 hitouts) got the Pies moving out of the middle, while Jeremy Howe (two contested marks, six intercepts) was the north star under a barrage in defence.

The Eagles' competitive start was born from work-rate and pressure. They traded majors early, with the 18th-ranked side landing the opening blow, and then returning serve to keep the Pies unsettled and lacking fluency.

West Coast was soon under threat, however, as Collingwood slammed home four quick goals to open the second quarter. Milestone man Brody Mihocek (seven marks, two goals) got the ball rolling, before debutant Charlie West had the crowd on its feet for his first career goal with his first kick.

But the Eagles stuck fat, getting back to the frenetic, pressure-filled style of footy that had them in front at the first break, handing them an eight-point lead at half-time. It was led by Brady Hough's effort to move from contest to contest, which was standard setting, as was Liam Baker's work coming off half-back.

Every time West Coast took control, it was via centre clearance that the Pies wrestled it back. With powerful, attacking clearances out of the middle, they had the Eagles' defenders on their heels.

Collingwood's leaders stood up, and despite things not coming easily, got it done in the small moments.

The home crowd was immensely confident, even in the face of West Coast's challenge, sending up the 'Collingwood' chant with their team up by 15 points and nearly 18 minutes remaining.

There were some concerns for key position Pie Dan McStay, who came from the field in the third quarter with a left knee issue, but he was able to return after some strapping.

An unfortunate blunder
The Eagles' surge was on, with two late goals to get within four points nearing on three-quarter time, but an unfortunate attempt to clear the defensive 50 handed Collingwood a gift. West Coast had worked methodically out of defence for the game, switching to the open side and moving with speed, until mere seconds remained on the clock for the term. A desperate kick out of the defensive goal-square from Jack Williams floated long and high, directly into the arms of Magpie Dan Houston who kicked truly from the arc to fill his side with all sorts of energy heading into the final break.

This West kid goes alright
There have been weeks of speculation - and begging from Collingwood fans – around when 2024 pick No.50 Charlie West might get his debut. A strong season in the VFL to date had him banging down the door, and finally after six goals, including the late matchwinner last week, Craig McRae could make him wait no longer. West started in the attacking goalsquare and early in the second quarter swooped. Neatly gathering the ball out of an aerial contest, West threw it on the boot to join the first kick, first goal club, much to the delight of the crowd. There is no doubt that he will be a fan favourite from a long time to come.

COLLINGWOOD                        1.3     5.5    10.6     13.10 (88)
WEST COAST          2.6      6.7        8.8        8.11 (59)

GOALS 
Collingwood: Mihocek 2, Lipinski 2, Membrey 2, West, Elliott, N.Daicos, Hoskin-Elliott, Houston, Sullivan, Pendlebury
West Coast: Brockman 2, J.Williams, Ryan, Shanahan, Kelly, Flynn, Hough

INJURIES 
Collingwood: Nil
West Coast: Nil

SUBSTITUTES 
Collingwood: Oleg Markov (replaced Charlie West in the final quarter)
West Coast: Jayden Hunt (replaced Jamie Cripps in the final quarter)

LATE CHANGES
Collingwood: Bobby Hill (personal) replaced in selected side by Oleg Markov
West Coast: Nil

Crowd: 38,126 at Marvel Stadium