Collingwood produced a classic performance on Friday night, demolishing the West Coast Eagles 15.11 (101) to 5.9 (39) in front of 41,198 at the MCG.
Former Eagle Quentin Lynch booted two early goals as the Magpies raced off to kick the game’s first five goals, but it was the club’s standout midfield that won the day.
Despite missing Dayne Beams, a very late withdrawal, the combination of Scott Pendlebury (37 disposals) and Dane Swan (34, two goals) were significant against an undermanned Eagles outfit. Cameo performances from the young Josh Thomas (35 touches) and Paul Seedsman also came in handy.
Ben Reid booted four goals to lead the Magpies while Travis Cloke added three, taking the lead in the Coleman Medal race over West Coast’s Josh Kennedy and GWS forward Jeremy Cameron.
The Magpies ran all over West Coast, dominating the middle and ball. The Eagles’ defence made a number of unruly mistakes and struggled to kick accurately when they went forward.
Alan Didak returned for his first match since round 12 and provided some extra run with 15 disposals after replacing Luke Ball as the substitute at halftime.
“He’s had a pretty tough year, trying to get into the team,” Reid said of Didak in a post-match interview with the ABC’s Grandstand program.
“But he hasn’t done much wrong, he’s the best every week in the VFL.
“It’s just a lot of our small forwards have been playing really well.
“As you can see, when he gets out there he brings a real spark to the team.”
Collingwood momentarily moves ahead of Richmond to nab fifth spot on the AFL ladder, however the Tigers’ Sunday match-up against GWS should see the Magpies fall back to sixth.
Scott Selwood (33 disposals) and Matt Priddis (32 and nine tackles) led the Eagles while WAFL call-up Matt Rosa was also impressive.
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