Playing in torrential rain and gale force winds, Collingwood’s trip to Alice Springs was deemed a success after recording a 22-point win over Adelaide on Friday night; 11.8 (74) to 8.4 (52).
The Magpies played with purpose and showed a high level of skill considering the circumstances, with constant driving rain creating vast ankle deep puddles across large parts of the ground by the time the second half was underway.
As part of Mick Malthouse's preseason coaching strategy, assistant Nathan Buckley took his turn to assume head coaching responsibilities.
After a first half stalemate, it was the Magpies who took control after the main break, kicking six goals to the Crows’ three with Dane Swan, Steele Sidebottom and Chris Dawes each booting two majors.
Dawes served as the main lead-up target in the Pies’ forward line in the absence of Travis Cloke (rested) and John Anthony. After undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, Anthony made his return to the park through a VFL practice match earlier in the day and got through unscathed.
Not looking out of their depth in their first senior game, Jarryd Blair and Ben Sinclair proved they could not only handle the conditions but the pace at the AFL level.
Sinclair’s tenacity for the contest and ability to handle the ball with ease in the wet was a particularly pleasing sign for the coaching staff.
Leading from the back, Harry O’Brien took charge and helped propel the ball forward through the downpour with assistance from Tyson Goldsack who was easily one of the best on the night.
Josh Fraser moved well sharing the ruck duties with Cameron Wood. Fraser opened his 2010 account with a wonderful 50-metre goal on the run late in the final term to effectively seal the match.
With no injuries coming from the slippery battle, the Magpies will return to Melbourne on Saturday morning before finding out their next destination in the NAB Challenge later in the week.
To read the goal-by-goal live feed click here.
Collingwoodfc.com.au will publish comments by Buckley and highlights of the match early next week.
Match Summary
Collingwood 74
2.1 5.4 9.7 11.8
Adelaide 52
1.2 5.2 6.3 8.4
Goals
Collingwood: Swan 2, Sidebottom 2, Dawes 2, Macaffer, O'Bree, Sinclair, Barham, Fraser
Adelaide: Douglas 4, Gunstan 2, Tippett, Petrenko, unknown
Best
Collingwood: Didak, Sidebottom, O'Brien, Goldsack, Buckley, Swan
Adelaide: Douglas, Goodwin, Thompson, Petrenko
