After nine rounds, the Pies were unable to string two wins together, but a change in mentality has brought the form the club was looking for according to Prestigiacomo.
“That was something we struggled with at the start of the year with consistency, we were kind of win-loss-win-loss,” the 31-year-old said after his team’s 23-point win over the Swans.
Following wins over Melbourne, Port Adelaide and West Coast at Subiaco in the last month, four hard fought points gained in Sydney have propelled a confident Collingwood into fourth spot on the ladder.
“It’s good to get a run on and hopefully we can continue playing the sort of footy we played tonight for the rest of the year," Prestigiacomo said.
“It was probably one of our downfalls at the start of the year, but [it’s been pleasing] to get a few wins on the trot and a bit of consistency and get everyone regularly playing and gelling well together”.
After two tight quarters where the lead never blew out to more than two goals, a thrilling third term saw both sides attack the contest with vigour.
It was then that a purple patch from Swans forward Barry Hall threatened to turn the momentum towards the home team before Magpie Dane Swan snapped to give the Pies the lead right on the siren.
It was a pivotal moment, said Prestigiacomo.
“To our credit we got our tails in front just before three quarter time and we managed to run on with it, which as an aspect of our play, was pretty pleasing.”
The defender was given the job of policing Barry Hall and the Magpie held his own to restrict him to just two goals.
“It was a pretty tough game. Obviously it’s always going to be tough on Hally [Barry Hall] and playing against Sydney and when it’s raining.
“It was all in close with lots of hard hits so it was pretty tough. It’s always good to come up here and get a win.”
