This was the high-scoring, free-flowing contest – and result – that wasn't meant to be. When the Pies led three goals to nine points after 14 minutes, it appeared it would become the expected percentage-boosting win for the Pies, and perhaps even a win of the magnitude of Geelong's 96-point massacre of St Kilda down the Princes Highway. But the Dogs threw caution to the wind and it came off. With skipper Ryan Griffen shrugging off a form slump, returned forward Liam Jones playing his best game of the season and Koby Stevens a surprise packet with three first-half goals, the longshots went some way to addressing question marks over their development.

 

Collingwood defender Marley Williams' report for striking with a forearm in the dying seconds of the first quarter could prove costly, given the Pies face reigning premier Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday afternoon. Williams would appear a strong candidate for the job on Cyril Rioli, if in fact the Hawks star himself escapes a penalty from the Match Review Panel. The Williams incident sparked a fracas after the quarter-time siren.

?4. The Jones boy reignites Dogs

If Liam Jones always played with the intensity he brought to this contest, there would never be any doubt over his spot in the Bulldogs' line-up. It's the blueprint performance for the young key forward's career from this point forward. In his first game at AFL level since round eight (after which he served a two-match suspension and was then forced to cool his heels in the VFL), the 23-year-old played perhaps his best game for the club, kicking an equal career-best four goals, taking contested marks and, most importantly, competing fiercely and refusing to give in. He even won free kicks after chasing down speedsters Clinton Young and Heritier Lumumba. His only blemish was a miss from a regulation set shot early in the last quarter that would have extended the margin to 25 points.

 

At a time when the Bulldogs have been heavily criticised for their lack of outside run, they could ill-afford to lose a classy finisher of the quality of Adam Cooney, who was substituted out of the contest with a hamstring injury midway through the first term. The Brownlow medallist appears likely to be sidelined for the almost obligatory three weeks – clashes with Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Melbourne (Etihad Stadium) and Geelong (Simonds Stadium). Cooney was replaced by fellow veteran Daniel Giansiracusa, who was a solid contributor, using his first 15 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency and kicking a goal.

 

Making your AFL debut is tough enough at the best of times, let alone after playing two-and-a-half quarters in the VFL the previous day, but that's how it transpired for Collingwood youngster Tim Broomhead. The 20-year-old midfielder from SANFL club Port Adelaide was a late inclusion following the withdrawal of midfield star Dayne Beams with a corked calf. It was a welcome change of luck for the 2012 draftee, whose time with the Pies has been plagued by injury and illness. Starting as the Pies' substitute, he entered the fray midway through the third term and immediately used his speed and class to set up Jamie Elliott for a crucial goal that drew the Pies to within six points. Another likely young Pie.