Darcy Moore was used at both ends of the ground on Anzac Day [Photo: Collingwood FC]

The Pies were overrun by the Bombers on Sunday afternoon's ANZAC Day clash.

Here are some of the key learnings from the game:

Moore to play both ends of the ground

Darcy Moore’s versatility was on show today as he spent time at both ends of the ground. Starting  the match up forward, Moore slotted a nice set shot in the first quarter. When the Bombers started to get on top during phases of the second quarter, Bucks had the freedom of sending Moore into the backline thanks to the inclusion of Will Kelly.

Both Kelly and Moore have the versatility that allows the coaching panel to shuffle the magnets around depending on the status of the game.

Kelly wasn’t able to make his presence felt on the scoreboard when sent forward, but his role was important in ensuring players such as Brody Mihocek and Darcy Cameron were able to compete in the air.

Darcy Cameron has earned his spot

Darcy Cameron proved himself today as the best companion to Brodie Grundy. In a breakout game, Cameron’s ability to provide Grundy with a chop out in the ruck was complimented by a great performance up forward. His 4 goals, were instrumental to a Pies forward line that struggled for parts of the game.

Cameron led the team for marks with 10, with 4 of those being contested (an equal match high).

Valuable experience for the kids

The Pies fielded 10 ANZAC Day debutants on Sunday afternoon, and despite the result, those players would have gained invaluable lessons about playing on the big stage.

Jay Rantall showed glimpses of promise in his first game for the Pies, while Finlay Macrae tried his hardest balancing a midfield and forward role. Beau Mccreery continues to impress, his 3 goals today a reward for effort and intensity around the ball. Nathan Murphy and Will Kelly can also hold their heads up high.

Josh Daicos had his best performance for the season after spending a majority of the night in the midfield. His contested work and speed around the stoppage was particularly impressive.

Quaynor continues good form

Isaac Quaynor has continued his good form this season with 21 disposals on Sunday afternoon. His 489 meters gained, contributed significantly to Collingwood’s attacking style out of half back. What was most important was his 81% disposal efficiency, a stand out in a pretty poor kicking performance.

Quaynor’s intercept marking has been much improved this season. He led the team for intercepting disposals with 7.

Have to be more efficient going forward

It was a bleak performance from the Pies going inside 50 on Sunday afternoon. The forward line struggled as a result of unpredictable ball movement across the ground.

Bucks spoke about the kicking efficiency in his post game press conference:

  • “We gave the ball away too often when we had it, we weren’t finding each other often enough”

In a game of margins, often the centimetres count and the Pies just weren’t good enough with ball in hand. Some of the stand-out statistics include 66% disposal efficiency, 67 turnovers and -39 in uncontested possessions.