The early signs were ominous in this one, as the Magpies hit the contest hard, spread brilliantly, and delivered the ball inside 50 with speed and precision.
After an early goal to Ryan Maric, the Pies kicked four in a ten minute span to establish a lead that would never be threatened.
There were periods in this game that looked every bit like the reigning premiers up against the wooden spooners, but there were still things to like about the Eagles, even in an 11-goal loss.
Both sides came into this game missing key figures, with Collingwood restructuring their forward line to cover the absent Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott, whilst the Eagles took a heavy blow in losing Elliot Yeo and Jake Waterman for the trip to Marvel Stadium. And that injury toll worsened as this game continued.
Jeremy McGovern went down after landing heavily in a marking contest. It looked like a cracked rib or two to me, given the way he landed. Jeremy Howe – the replacement up forward for Mihocek, was out early with a groin strain, and Jack Petruccelle, Harvey Harrison, and Jack Bytel were all ruled out as the game progressed.
In many ways, it was going to be the team with the most depth that took control of this one, and as anyone with any semblance of footy nous will tell you, the Pies have it over the Eagles in that regard. They have depth in places West Coast doesn’t even have places!
And they had it over them in terms of game play in this contest, as well.
Lots to get through in this one – some great signs for the rejuvenated Magpies, and some good signs for a developing Eagles team, as well.
Let’s jump into The Mongrel’s Talking Points.
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