It was a week of positive learnings after the Pies got over the top of the Crows on Saturday evening! Here are 5 of the things we learned from the match:

Billy is BACK

Everyone knew that Jamie Elliott was going to be a positive inclusion for the Pies after a long stint on the sidelines with a fractured leg, however no one could have anticipated just how good he would be upon return.

A match-winning performance of 6 goals was absolutely superb from Collingwood’s number 5, and it all started in the first quarter with 4 of his goals coming early in the match. His presence coming out of the goal square was crucial in allowing the midfield to combine more positively with the forward line. His direct leads gave the likes of Jack Crisp and Steele Sidebottom a clear target to hit as the Pies broke through the middle of the ground.

Elliott finished the day with 14 disposals, doing it all as he also lended a hand in the centre rotations. The Pies play with an increased level of confidence when Billy takes the field and that showed on Saturday evening.

Good to have you back, Billy.

Pendlebury the quarterback

It’s been a rollercoaster of year for the Collingwood champion, as his regular role in the midfield has adapted with the team’s requirements across other areas of the field. Finding himself across half-forward throughout periods of previous games, and even coming out of the goal square last weekend against Geelong, Pendlebury has shown off his versatility in 2021.

On Saturday evening, Pendlebury took on the quarter-back role across half-back as the Pies looked to use his football IQ and leadership behind the ball. His skill by foot and ability to set the team up defensively was instrumental in the Pies taking a 23 point lead into quarter time.

When Brayden Sier had to leave the field midway through the match, Pendlebury took his mantle back in the midfield and performed valiantly. He finished with 21 disposals, 6 clearances and lead the team for tackles with 9 for the match.

The future is bright

Pies fans have seen glimpses from a variety of youngsters throughout the season so far, with the likes of Beau Mccreery and Caleb Poulter standing up multiple times this season. What was noticeably different on Saturday evening was a group of kids leading the charge to help get Collingwood the 4 points.

As the playing group continues to blood these new players, Pies fans should be buoyed by their performances; especially when Trent Bianco continues to make the most of his opportunities. Bianco’s goal in the 3rd quarter, his first in the black and white, was a massive moment in the game. Not only did it stem the momentum of the Crows who had kicked 2 in a row and taken the lead, but it was an insight into the willingness of Bianco to seize the moment and get his teammates up and about.

In just his second AFL match, Max Lynch was given the tough task against premier ruckman Rielly O’Brien. Despite O’Brien getting on top around the ground, Max held his own in the ruck with 4 hit-outs to advantage and 18 hit-outs total. Lynch is great at doing the little things, particularly in marking contests up forward. Josh Thomas’ brilliant roving goal eventuated as a result of Lynch tapping the ball down to him from a long bomb into 50 by Will Hoskin-Elliott.

Despite not having their best games, Nathan Murphy and Jay Rantall also played their roles on Saturday evening. Murphy quite often found himself in 1 on 1 contests across the half-forward, while Rantall provided some speed around the contests and pressure inside forward 50.

Callum Brown the super sub

When Brayden Sier had to be subbed out of the game at half time, Callum Brown was activated as the medical sub and what a substitution it was.

Brown played arguably one of his best halves of footy in his career so far on Saturday evening. Playing just 37% of game time, Brown had 11 disposals and a whopping 7 tackles; he was second in the team for tackles behind Pendlebury’s 9 for the match.

It’s been a tough season form wise for Brown so far, averaging just 10 disposals a game. His numbers are down from his previous 4 years at the club but hopefully for Cal Saturday evening’s game is the kick-starter he needs to get his 2021 back on track.

More direct game style

The Pies showed an attacking intent on Saturday evening, starting the game with 50 kicks to just 18 handballs in the first quarter. Moving the ball with speed and precision, the Pies finished the game with 225 kicks for the match, 6 more than the season average of 219.

The most notable statistic however, was the decrease in handballs for the game. With just 109 handballs for the match, Collingwood was 40 handballs under the season average. This provides insight into the way the Pies wanted to play, maintaining possession and backing in each other to hit targets and mark the ball up the ground.

Final Score
Adelaide 10.13.73
Collingwood 12.6.78