It was a wild and windy day at the Holden Centre on Saturday afternoon, with the conditions a big impact on the match. A three-to-four goal breeze blowing heavily towards the Yarra River end, the Pies won the toss and decided to ride the wind early.

Q1

Couldn’t have been a better start for the midfield, with Max Lynch starting the game off in fine fashion. The ball was launched inside 50 from the centre clearance and a forward 50 stoppage masterclass was put on by Lynch and his good mate Brayden Sier. Sier burst through the pack and snapped truely to find the Pies’ first.

Lynch had a roller coaster of an afternoon, not finding the footy as much as he’s used to with just eight disposals. However what was impressive was the way in which he found other ways to impact the match. He lead the game for hit-outs with 25, an impressive feat against the experienced Hawks ruckman Johnathon Ceglar. Lynch also spent a considerable time forward, kicking two great goals at important times.

Unfortunately after such a positive start, Sier hurt his ankle and sat the rest of the match on the sidelines. A disappointing result after what has been a great last few games for Sier.

Jacob Booth was the star of the first quarter, slotting two goals to pile on the pressure. The marking forward has been in great form recently, with his ability to compete both in the air and on the ground a vital part of this Pies side. Booth finished the day with his two goals and 17 disposals.

QT Score: Collingwood 27 - Hawthorn 5

Q2

Another fast start to the quarter, with Max Lynch going back and slotting his first for the game from 50m out against the wind. The Hawks finally kicked their first goal after seven behinds to start the game.

Small forward Sam Fowler got the quick reply with a textbook front and centre goal. Fowler had a solid game, it was great seeing him get some time in the midfield throughout the second half. He finished with two goals and 13 disposals.

Unfortunately after Fowler’s goal it was all Hawthorn, the away side putting on two late goals to bring the margin to just four points at half time.

Rebounding defender Tom Wilson was doing everything he could to prevent the Hawks from scoring. In a best on ground performance for the Pies, Wilson was fantastic. He launched an awesome goal in the first quarter, and was key in setting the Pies up behind the ball. Damaging by foot and in the air, Wilson continues to put the pressure on those in the senior side with his consistent performances. He finished the afternoon with 27 disposals and five marks to go with his goal.

HT Score: Collingwood 39 - Hawthorn 35

Q3

Always fast out of the blocks, the Pies had another quick start to the second half as Mason Cox tapped a deep inside 50 entry to Sam Fowler who ran into an open goal.

Cox had a big time 3rd quarter as the Hawks piled on the pressure. He slotted a massive goal from 50m out late in the third quarter. Cox had nine disposals, a goal and two marks for the game, however he was impressive in the ruck. He amassed 19 hit-outs, four tackles and five clearances in an impressive run through the midfield.

3QT Score: Collingwood 60 - Hawthorn 67

Q4

Unfortunately after three quarter time, the Pies didn’t have the legs to go with an impressive Hawthorn side. The Hawks went on to kick nine goals to none in the final term in what was an out of character display from the VFL boys.

As always, co-captains Lachlan Tardrew and Campbell Hustwaite never gave up. Tardrew (20 disposals) and Hustwaite (19 disposals), worked tirelessly all afternoon across the ground. Putting in massive efforts in the midfield, an area of the ground where the lack of Brayden Sier really hurt the Pies later in the game.

As always, we look to next week for a more positive effort from the boys.

Final Score: Collingwood 60 - Hawthorn 123

Goals: Booth 2, Fowler 2, Lynch 2, Cox, Sier Wilson
Best: Wilson, Booth, Lynch, Cox, Tardrew