Match Report
Collingwood’s VFL side ventured to GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon, for an un-official practice match against Geelong, providing players from both of the AFL Preliminary Final bound sides a chance to put some kilometres in their legs during September.
Collingwood’s VFL side ventured to GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon, for an un-official practice match against Geelong, providing players from both of the AFL Preliminary Final bound sides a chance to put some kilometres in their legs during September.
The match consisted of three 30-minute periods, with both sides taking the opportunity to experiment while gaining crucial match play time for their AFL listed players who didn’t partake in Thursday and Friday’s Qualifying Finals.
Promising signs from Hill
Collingwood forward Bobby Hill brought his trademark spark to GMHBA Stadium, in his first hit out against opposition since the Round 21 AFL clash against Brisbane.
The small-forward booted four goals and spent some time in the midfield, with his speed and pressure on full display.
Steene competes
Young ruck Oscar Steene showed plenty of fight on Saturday afternoon, competing strongly at centre bounce and around the ground. With Mason Cox re-called to the AFL side and Iliro Smit out with injury, the 22-year-old took on majority of the ruck duties across the 90-minute clash.
McStay’s contest impact
After being omitted from the Magpies’ AFL side for Thursday’s Preliminary Final, Dan McStay suited up for the VFL side in the ‘scratch match’. The tall forward impacted the contest strongly on numerous occasions, bringing the ball to ground and allowing the likes of Bobby Hill and Finlay Macrae to hit the scoreboard.
The 196cm forward also took a number of contested marks and kicked a classy snap goal early in the clash. McStay also spent time in the ruck when Oscar Steene was on the interchange.
Steele backs it up
After being substituted into Thursday night’s AFL Preliminary Final win during the fourth-quarter, Roan Steele was back in action less than 48-hours later in Geelong. The mid-season draftee was busy on the GMBHA Stadium wing, showing composure with ball in hand and getting crucial minutes into his legs.
Mitchell strong on the inside, Howes down back
Tom Mitchell showcased his trademark fight across the afternoon, gathering plenty of the ball on the inside of the contest, while fellow AFL listed player Noah Howes spent time in defence.
The 19-year-old, who was selected with 15 in the mid-season draft, booted 15-goals playing as a key forward in his 10-VFL games this season.