TRAVIS Varcoe and Levi Greenwood's second comings as AFL players started in impressive fashion as Collingwood overcame a youthful Hawthorn side by 44 points in a feisty NAB Challenge opener on Thursday night.
While it was only the first step in a marathon season, the star recruits and stand-in captain Steele Sidebottom led a Pies midfield lacking some of the game's biggest names.
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In recent seasons, it's been difficult to imagine Nathan Buckley's side without Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Brisbane Lion Dayne Beams running the engine room.
Young Pies told to make life tough for senior teammates
But cheered on by a vocal Magpie Army - despite the match being played at the Hawks' second home Aurora Stadium – ex-Cat Varcoe and former Roo Greenwood showed plenty in an encouraging 0.17.14 (116) to 2.8.6 (72) win.
The toughness of No.5 draft pick Jordan De Goey – who already looks a ready-made player – and a fit-looking Jesse White also gave the Pies plenty to get excited about.
De Goey was particularly influential early but contributed across the four quarters and kicked a long set shot goal, while White booted two goals and arguably had the better of Hawthorn's prized recruit James Frawley.
White endured a mixed season after crossing from the Sydney Swans last year, but he enjoyed being the focal point with Cloke out of the side.
The Hawks were severely lacking in experience, with stars Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis and Josh Gibson among five premiership players joining skipper Luke Hodge, Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne on the sidelines before the bounce.
Despite the defeat, Hawks fans would have been pleased to see returning Jed Anderson show he is keen to make up for lost time with a silky onball performance and a classy goal.
Sam Mitchell and fill-in captain Liam Shiels worked hard throughout, while James Sicily showed he is not far off making his senior debut.
Hawthorn's night started on a sour note when promising defender Kaiden Brand was helped from the field cradling his left shoulder after a marking contest and the 20-year-old played no further part in the match.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Hawthorn: Jed Anderson is champing at the bit to force his way into the Hawks' best 22, judging by the classy midfielder's output in his first game since shoulder surgery wiped out his 2014 campaign. The 21-year-old's performance would have heartened Hawks fans, who are keenly aware Brendan Whitecross is also waiting in the wings for his chance. Knowing that duo Jonathan O'Rourke and Alex Woodward are also pushing for spots in the Hawks' premiership midfield is a daunting thought for rival clubs.
Collingwood: It's fair to say Jesse White endured a mixed first season in the black and white, but with Travis Cloke sitting out of the opening NAB Challenge match, White shone as the focal point of the Magpies' attack. At times last year the ex-Swan looked a little lost roaming up the ground while Cloke stayed at home. Nathan Buckley knows he needs to ease the reliance on his star goalkicker and a firing White, who has trimmed down after a strong pre-season, would ease his concerns significantly.
NEW FACES
Hawthorn: Big-name recruit James Frawley was in the thick of the action early and the ex-Demon was a touch slow when he was caught holding the ball, but the summer rust wore off in his tough battle with Jesse White. Draftees Teia Miles and Daniel Howe showed encouraging composure down back and strong-marking forward James Sicily expressed his self-confidence with a booming super goal. Jermaine Miller-Lewis looked dangerous in attack, Jared Hardisty ran hard through the middle and Marc Pittonet competed well.
Collingwood: No.5 draft pick Jordan De Goey made his presence felt early with a crunching contested mark, impressed with his hardness at the contest and was very good as a link-up player across half-forward. Patrick Karnezis showed his class with a sublime checkside goal from outside the boundary line, while former Cat Travis Varcoe was prominent and had more time with the footy than most. Levi Greenwood barely missed a beat with his work at the coalface and Jack Crisp threw himself into the contest.
Tasmania showed off its charm in Thursday night's clash at Aurora Stadium. Picture: AFL Media.
HAWTHORN 0.3.1 1.5.3 2.6.5 2.8.6 (72)
COLLINGWOOD 0.5.3 0.7.6 0.10.10 0.17.14 (116)
SUPERGOALS
Hawthorn: Sicily, Mitchell
Collingwood: Nil
GOALS
Hawthorn: McEvoy 3, Breust 2, Gunston 2, Anderson,
Collingwood: Fasolo 4, Karnezis 3, White 2, Gault 2, Goldsack, Sidebottom, Grundy, Greenwood, Elliott, De Goey
BEST
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Anderson, Langford, Shiels, Gunston
Collingwood: Varcoe, Sidebottom, Greenwood, White, Goldsack, Elliott, Grundy,
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Kaiden Brand (left shoulder)
Collingwood: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, Pannell, Deboy, Foot
Official crowd: 15,422 at Aurora Stadium
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
