Superstars Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey set a hot early pace, as Collingwood reinforced their appetite for more success remains as great as ever with a 30-point win over Richmond in the opening official practice match at Ikon Park on Tuesday.
The dashing Daicos rebounded from an early error and had 21 touches through the midfield and across half-back – and a ripped guernsey – in his managed three quarters, while the robust De Goey (22 disposals) was prominent through the midfield and forward of the ball.
All wrapped up: Dustin Martin is tackled by Oleg Markov on a night the Magpies showed why they are premiership favourites.Credit: Getty Images
Tigers midfielder Jack Graham left the field late in the game with a leg issue, and will be monitored.
Josh Daicos, the reigning Copeland Trophy winner, was also busy (18 disposals) in three quarters, while half-forward Patrick Lipinksi, after a modest 2023 in which he fought to hold his side in the premiership side, was dynamic forward of centre with 23 touches in a 10.16 (76) to 5.16 (46) victory by the premiers who were awarded the inaugural Charity Shield.
After a sluggish first term, when the wasteful Tigers managed only one goal from 11 inside 50s, the manner in which the Magpies moved the ball in sync reinforced why they are the team to beat.
On a warm Melbourne evening before an estimated 8000 supporters, new Tigers coach Adem Yze unveiled his game plan, which appears built on high pressure, fast handball, and generally moving the ball quickly.
Superstar Dustin Martin was busy early, although the Tigers’ champion did not hit the target as often as he would have liked. Yze said Martin would play more midfield this season, but the three-time Norm Smith started as a forward in the first term, before shifting on to the ball.
Noah Balta was goalless but had a presence in his new role as a forward for the Tigers, but former Hawk Jacob Koschitzke had little impact. The Tigers desperately need a healthy Tom Lynch if they are to be a September threat.
Josh Gibcus, after a year ruined by a complex hamstring injury, has lost none of his athleticism, and curbed Ash Johnson. Gibcus shapes as the centrepiece in defence now Balta is a forward. Shai Bolton was busy through the midfield, and typically dangerous forward of the ball.
Collingwood’s Mason Cox was the target of some Richmond attention.Credit: Getty Images
The Magpies gave marking tall Ash Johnson the opportunity to fill the injured Daniel McStay’s role inside 50, but he was goalless and had only six disposals. Reef McInnes, also jostling for the role, was injected in the second half, contributed a goal but had only three touches. Just who gets the nod alongside the likes of Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott and Mason Cox, the latter enjoying a strong marking night, and a scuffle with Marlion Pickett on the final siren, remains a point of debate.
Lipinski snapped the Magpies’ opening goal after 19 minutes, while former Docker Lachie Schultz brought his renowned pressure close to goal.
Nick Daicos had an early blunder when a retreat kick inadvertently found Balta on the lead, but he was soon back to his smooth moving best with 10 first-quarter touches. Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill did not have a touch until midway through the second term, but came alive with a goal off a left-foot snap from a stoppage.
The news
Martin has spent time training with the midfield group this summer, and has set personal best records in the gym, according to teammate Jayden Short. He found plenty of uncontested ball in the first half, but couldn’t deliver the advantage the Tigers wanted.
Josh Daicos, having managed a foot issue over summer, showed no signs of concern. Brayden Maynard was back to full fitness after post-season shoulder surgery.
Toby Nankervis’ absence (foot) – the captain could only say he was “hopeful” of playing in the season opener – meant Sam Naismith and Samson Ryan had the ruck duties. Naismith was superb, having 10 contested possessions to half-time, and is locked in to face the Gold Coast Suns.
What you need to know
Veterans Scott Pendlebury (knee) and Jeremy Howe (calf cork) will head into the new season without contact work against an opposition side. Each missed last week’s match simulation against North Melbourne, and again were absent.
“I copped a heavy knock a couple of weeks ago. I just don’t feel right … but I have an opportunity to get it right for the opening round,” Howe said.
Tigers Lynch (foot), Nick Vlastuin (managed) Rhyan Mansell (syndesmosis) and Sam Banks (calf tightness) all sat out. Lynch told Fox Footy he had not given up hope of facing Carlton in round one. “If it’s not round one, it will be round two,” he said.
Liam Baker, who is off contract this season, captained the Tigers.
Expert’s view
Magpies ruckman Darcy Cameron may face scrutiny for a late attempt to spoil in a marking contest on Tylar Young on the wing in the third term, although the contact appeared minimal.
Key players
Darcy Moore
The premiership skipper had minor wrist surgery before Christmas, but showed no signs of concern against the Tigers in the three quarters he played in defence before resting. “I haven’t really missed a beat in January and February, so I am feeling really good,” Moore said at the AFL captains day on Monday.
Dustin Martin
The three-time premiership great has had a superb pre-season, and appears to have been re-energised under a new coach. He moved well up forward and through the midfield, and even did a spot of on-field coaching of teammates.
Dion Prestia
The hardnut midfielder has had hamstring issues over the past month, but moved well and will play in the season opener.
Jordan De Goey
The Magpies need the explosive midfielder to be at his best if they are to maintain the rage this season. The manner in which De Goey started suggests he is ready for a career year.
What’s next
The two teams now prepare for the season opener. The Tigers have a spicy twilight clash against old coach Damien Hardwick and his Gold Coast Suns at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, March 9. The Magpies, on the same night, have a preliminary final rematch against Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium.
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