The Eagles went down to Collingwood by 66 points at Marvel Stadium
The West Coast Eagles were outplayed in virtually every facet of the game as Collingwood posted a commanding 66-point victory at Marvel Stadium today.
The reigning premiers blew the game open with a sizzling second term on the way to winning – 15.13 (103) to 5.7 (37).
While it was disappointing defeat for the Eagles, they managed to stymie the Collingwood scoring avalanche in the second half after trailing by 55 points at half-time.
The game was shot at the last change, but the Eagles also managed to win the last quarter, kicking two goals to one in the final stanza.
The signs were ominous early, particularly through the center bounce clearances, as the Magpies waltzed out of the front of the stoppages.
While the Eagles defense held it together in the face of the avalanche of ball going into the opposition forward 50, the ease of the Collingwood ball movement was a worry.
Three of their first four goals came through center bounce clearances and with the ball moving so swiftly into the danger zone it was tough to stay in the game.
The Eagles’ only goal came in the opening minutes of the first quarter when Ryan Maric marked and converted. It was tough going thereafter.
The second quarter saw the trend produce more results for Collingwood as they rattled on seven goals, with four more coming from center bounce dominance.
Collingwood dominated possession and sliced their way through the Eagles – although there was one memorable moment when debutant Tyrell Dewar kicked the first goals of his career from around 50 metres.
At that stage the margin was around the three-goal mark but it was one-way traffic from that moment forward as their seven-goal blitz opened up a 55-point half-time break.
It didn’t get much better in the third quarter with Collingwood kicking three goals to none to extend the margin to 72 points, alarming territory for the Eagles – although a couple of the young players started to get a feel for the game.
Dewar and Harvey Johnston, inserted as the sub for Jack Petruccelle (ankle), started to find the ball and showed good composure.
Unfortunately, star defender Jeremy McGovern, injured in a marking contest, was taken to hospital for assessment of possible internal injuries.
Details
Collingwood 4.4 11.8 14.11 15.13 (103)
West Coast Eagles 1.1 3.1 3.5 5.7 (37)
Goals
Collingwood: Macrae, McInnes 3; Hill 2; Richards, Crisp, J Daicos, Howe, Lipinski, Sullivan, N Daicos.
West Coast Eagles: Dewar, Maric, J Williams, Ryan, Edwards.
Best
Collingwood: N Daicos, Cameron, Macrae, Crisp, Pendlebury, J Daicos.
West Coast Eagles: Duggan, Witherden, Barrass, Ginbey, Reid, Cole.
Injuries:
Collingwood – J Howe (thigh), Harrison (hamstring), Bytel (concussion).
West Coast Eagles – Petruccelle (ankle), McGovern (internal).
