COLLINGWOOD'S experiment to play Mason Cox in the same side as Brodie Grundy received a boost as the American booted four goals in an impressive display as the Magpies pulled off a stirring comeback in warm conditions to post a 33-point win in Moe.
As temperatures nudged above 32 degrees at Ted Summerton Recreational Reserve, Cox took four contested marks, including a great grab late in the third quarter, to help propel the Magpies to a 16.17 (113) to 12.8 (80) victory.
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However, Travis Varcoe could find himself in trouble with match review officer Michael Christian for an elbow to Hayden Crozier.
The Western Bulldogs started impressively, kicking six goals to one in the first quarter before the Magpies responded with 21 inside-50s in the second term as they closed the margin to three points at the main break.
WATCH: Oodles of skill from Sidey
Inaccuracy in front of goal prevented Collingwood from leading at that point – the Pies were 1.10 at one stage – but the misses had more to do with where the shots were taken from than wayward foot skills.
The Pies ran out the game far stronger and finished with 10 goalkickers after managing just 36 points against Greater Western Sydney last week.
Collingwood's experiment to throw Darcy Moore into the backline was an early success.
In his first game at AFL level this year after having been hampered by an Achilles tendon problem during the pre-season, the 22-year-old had no issue backing himself and flying for the football.
Also in defence, Jeremy Howe made his return from a calf injury in a solid display. While he finished with only 14 disposals, his influence was felt, particularly by Marcus Bontempelli, who played the stepladder to Howe's high-flying grabs not once, but twice.
WATCH: Jumping Jeremy gets the speccies in early
Tough midfielder Tom Liberatore showed form reminiscent of his 2016 season, collecting 28 disposals and 16 contested possessions.
Toby McLean and Jason Johannisen were two to thrive through the middle of the ground and Bontempelli made the most of the time he spent up forward, notching three goals.
The game was effectively over when Steele Sidebottom snapped a brilliant goal on his left boot in the last quarter, capping off a superb 28-disposal display.
Last year's ninth selection at the NAB AFL Draft Aaron Naughton acquitted himself well and looks likely to be named in the Bulldogs' round one side against GWS.
WATCH: Jordan Roughead goes down
Western Bulldogs big man Jordan Roughead went off the ground twice in the opening term after appearing to injure his groin but returned soon afterwards on both occasions, before finishing the game on the bench in his club polo with a minor hip complaint.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Collingwood: Darcy Moore will thrive in the backline. At times it seemed there was too much pressure on him up forward, but in defence Moore took the opportunity to go for his marks. He will be well suited to playing across the last line and impacting as many contests as he can reach. It probably won't be a permanent move, but Moore should gain plenty of confidence from his first outing in his new position.
Western Bulldogs: The experiment to make Easton Wood a forward will take plenty of time. While he finished with two goals, he had just five disposals on Saturday and struggled against the Magpies. In one sense, it seems odd to push the 2015 All Australian defender to the other end of the ground but Luke Beveridge loves being able to throw his players around the ground, and Wood's aerial abilities should see him eventually adjust to the role in attack. Nevertheless, it's a move that will require patience because the captain has not adjusted well so far.
NEW FACES
Collingwood: Expect to see Sam Murray in the round-one line-up. He offered plenty of zip from defence and his left foot can scythe through the opposition. The former Swan finished with 24 disposals and seven rebound-50s and would have impressed his coaches with a great tackle on Aaron Naughton in the third quarter. Jaidyn Stephenson was reasonable at half-forward, with his long kick into the forward line in the opening term hitting Sidebottom perfectly on the lead. In defence, Brodie Mihocek showed courage right before the final break going back with the flight.
Western Bulldogs: With Wood up forward, Aaron Naughton has taken the skipper's former role and took seven intercept marks. Jackson Trengove really impressed with his physicality, starting up forward and then moving into the ruck after Roughead went off the ground half. Josh Schache was very quiet, collecting four disposals after spending the first term on the bench. Former Docker Hayden Crozier kicks well and is good in the contest while Billy Gowers nailed a goal while playing up forward.
WATCH: Big hip and shoulder for Doggie
NEXT UP
Collingwood has a Saturday night clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on March 25 in what shapes a huge game, while the Western Bulldogs will add another chapter to their rivalry with Greater Western Sydney the following day at UNSW Canberra Oval.
COLLINGWOOD 1.5 5.13 8.16 16.17 (113)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 6.2 7.4 9.7 12.8 (80)
GOALS
Collingwood: Bontempelli 3, Jong 2, Wood 2, Dahlhaus, Johannisen, Dunkley, Liberatore, Gowers
Western Bulldogs: Cox 4, Varcoe 3, Reid 2, Sidebottom, Adams, Treloar, Grundy, C.Brown, Thomas, Phillips
BEST
Collingwood: Sidebottom, Cox, Treloar, Murray, Adams, Brown
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore, Macrae, Bontempelli, McLean, Johannisen, Trengove
INJURIES
Collingwood: Goldsack (left ankle)
Western Bulldogs: Roughead (hip), Daniel (food poisoning)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: O'Gorman, Meredith, Mitchell, Brown
Official crowd: 3442 at Ted Summerton Recreational Reserve
