Luke Mason was there watching the Pies' big win over the Saints on Friday, and gives a fan's account of what transpired.Plenty of positive signs arose from Collingwood’s morale-boosting 48-point victory over Ross Lyon’s St Kilda in front of 8000 spectators at Princes Park on Friday.The victory partially atones for the club’s loss to the Kangaroos on the Gold Coast last week, welcoming back a number of key players, in the mould of Josh Fraser, James Clement, Shane O'Bree, Simon Prestigiacomo, Paul Licuria and Dane Swan, to the line up.St Kilda struggled for much of the afternoon, despite the three goals and several other opportunities set up by Stephen Milne in attack, and the omnipresent professionalism of midfielder and co-captain Luke Ball, who was the only one of the Saints new trio of skippers (Lenny Hayes and Nick Riewoldt being the other pair) to play.Although it is quite fair to write the match off as simply a practice match, in all promising signs emanated from the Collingwood camp, with both newly reappointed captain Nathan Buckley and arguably the key to the team’s on-field success, Anthony Rocca, still to begin their seasons.The Magpies opened the first term in fine fashion, opening up a two goal buffer via some clever work in attack from Josh Fraser, another on the comeback trail from injury, who booted two goals for the quarter, one from a strong overhead mark, and another from a set shot from the boundary line, which was the result of some precise foot skills from Ryan Lonie, and newbie’s Ben Reid and Brad Dick.Heath Shaw was impressive off a halfback flank, full of creativity, in using his pace; fitness and work rate to kick-start the Collingwood run. He was rewarded for his efforts with a long range bomb on the run from outside the fifty meter line, once again confirming that he will no doubt be one of the Magpies’ main men for the coming decade.A bright patch of the quarter was the ruck work of former Blue Chris Bryan that led to a Paul Medhurst goal from a boundary throw in. Bryan cleverly flicked the ball over the back of his head into space and the path of a full-steam-ahead-Medhurst, who hit the ball at pace and goaled on the run.Unfortunately, the ex-Docker was forced from the field late in the term with a leg ailment, although luckily the prognosis shows that the livewire will suffer no long term effects, and will be on deck for round one of the home and away season against the Kangaroos.The second stanza was much of the same for both sides, Collingwood holding the upper hand, in adding another four goals to their total to the Saints’ solitary major, with Shaw booting a second, singles to senior players Scott Burns, Shane O'Bree and Leon Davis stretching the Woods lead to a notch over five goals.Yet the main controversy erupted moments prior to the halftime siren, in light of St Kilda defender Steven Baker’s felling of Collingwood second-gamer Brad Dick 35 metres off the ball.Dick, the smallest player on the field, was unceremoniously put down prior to the bell. The incident sparked heated scenes, as Nick Maxwell, promoted for this winter to the leadership group, putting Baker back in his place, flying the flag for his fallen comrade.Following the incident, which has left Dick with a leg injury, the Pies left the field intent not to allow the Saints any sniff of victory, whereas the men from Moorabbin trudged off without the killer glint in the eye.With vice-captain James Clement making his return from a cracked foot, Collingwood did not for a moment appear out of control in the second half, booting seven goals to St Kilda’s three, all in the third quarter, to run out comfortable eight goal victors.Undoubtedly the highlight of the half was the genius displayed by second-year Magpies wingman Scott Pendlebury when in heavy traffic. The former basketballer revealed all the tricks of his former trade when he plucked the ball out of a six-man strong pack, before holding the ball with one hand, dancing in and around a number of dumbfounded opponents, nearly shoving the Sherrin in their faces on one occasion, before balancing up from 40m out to drill what would no doubt go close to one of the more memorable goals of the season – had it only been captured on camera!Just as promising was the work of Travis Cloke from centre half forward, who filled in for Rocca with aplomb. Possessed with an aggressive, hard lead and hands as strong and sure as Stewart Loewe in his heyday, Cloke has finally completed his first full pre-season, his third at the club, and the results are sure to show this year. Many have nominated Hawthorn sensation Lance Franklin as the next big thing in the tall forward department, although on the basis of his output on the track and in the practice matches, Cloke may have forced them to alter their opinions.Josh Fraser, too, was another to display his full box of tricks. On the comeback trail after post-Christmas knee surgery, the 202 centimetre utility showed signs yesterday that he is set to fulfill the lofty predictions made by many pundits when he was drafted with the first selection in the 1999 National Draft.Although he has spent the vast majority of his career to date in the ruck, it is apparent that his full talents will be unveiled when he is allowed to play as a floating tall forward, which he did beautifully on Friday evening.With the improved form of Guy Richards and the poaching of Bryan from Carlton, Mick Malthouse was able to release Fraser free, the boy from Mansfield looking the goods with four goals for the day, and holding his own when taking a turn in the ruck.Dale Thomas, too, looked solid in a variety of positions, predominantly in attack, booting two goals crumbing superbly.All the signs are good in the lead up to the first round of the real McCoy, to be played against the Roos in round one, on the 31st of March, and, on the basis of yesterday’s performance, albeit in a glorified practice outing, it seems that a number of youngsters are set to play their role in the club’s continued on-field rise over the next few seasons.However, before formal proceedings begin, Collingwood will take on the Sydney Swans for the second time this pre-season, when the clubs meet for a regional challenge match in the New South Wales Riverina town of Narrandera on Friday 9 March, with one more match to follow, prior to the season proper.In other news, a Williamstown team – including a number of Collingwood listed players, namely Rusling, Egan and Davies – took on Werribee in a VFL practice match on Friday evening.Player Review:Leon Davis: Worked hard for his kicks, and gave the side a real edge in the midfield with his zip and attack on the football and the ball carrier. His goal in the second term was as slick as they come, and the manner in which he stood up for his fallen teammate Dick was heartening.Ryan Lonie: Ducked in and out of the play well, used the pill with his usual effectiveness and returned to some of his form of his early days, with his run and carry from halfback, streaming through the middle of the ground.Paul Medhurst: Attacked the football with vigour early, creating the play and snapping a cleverly worked goal from a throw in, before appearing to injure his leg when running at full pelt for a mark late in the first term. Will be fit for round one.James Clement: Jogged out to join the quarter time huddle in training attire, before returning to the fray for the halftime break in his full kit, playing out the second half in defence without showing any ill effects from his foot injury.Scott Pendlebury: Continued on in the same vein as his silky skilled performance at Carrara against the Kangaroos last week, and although not as prolific on the wing as he was seven days prior, he again reaffirmed why he will be a major player, not only this season, but in the decade to come. His fancy footwork resulting in a goal in the third quarter was undoubtedly a highlight.Shane O’Bree: There are no doubts that with O’Bree in the senior team, Collingwood gain 50 per cent more hunger, tenacity and general know-how in and around the packs and stoppages, the 28-year-old playing a key role in Friday’s triumph.Shannon Cox: Flashed in and out of the play, stationed in defence. Showcased a clever piece of ball handling, snatching the ball out of the clutches of a St Kilda forward with one hand.Dale Thomas: Floated in and out of the match, goaling twice from some perfect crumbing, and working hard when the Saints attacked.Shane Wakelin: The consummate professional deep in defence, rumours of Wakelin’s demise are greatly exaggerated. The veteran, rising 32, showed his younger opponents a clean pair of heels with his run out of the back half, and his ability to affect the vital spoil was again on show.Scott Burns: Following up from a 29-possession match last week, Burns’ impact was felt in the midfield, again winning plenty of leather and using it accordingly.Paul Licuria: Reportedly received a late call up from a Williamstown practice match to play, and was perhaps a tad rusty, although plenty of the summer cobwebs were swept aside as the match wore on.Ben Reid: Showed some real promise, stationed in attack for most of the day. Beginning at full forward, the club’s first choice at the 2006 ‘Super’ Draft displayed an excellent leap and a safe pair of hands, and will, in time, also bring along with him the confidence to convert in front of goal. Showed flashes of his potential and senior selection this year may not be out of the question.Guy Richards: A key to the side’s hopes this winter, Richards impressed more and more as the game wore on, working his way into the contest around the ground, his tap work certainly to effect. Still needs to create more of a presence around the ground when not in a ruck contest, be that as a loose man in defence or even in attack, where he spent some time yesterday.Tarkyn Lockyer: Quietly slipped back into the senior side on Friday, going about his business with a minimum of fuss, spending much of the day on the bench. Applied a clever knock on during the first term, thwarting a St Kilda attacking sortie.Josh Fraser: The star on Friday afternoon, Fraser’s return to the senior line up was welcomed by all. Sliding marks on his knees, plucking grabs with strength overhead, and all class below his knees, Fraser could well be set to produce a breakout season at league level.Nick Maxwell: Another set to lift this season, on the evidence provided, anyhow. A clear on-field leader, Maxwell appears to have stepped up a cog or two in his preparation and work ethic both on and off the field, and is now leading from the front down back. Now creating more than ever off the halfback line, the former rookie listed St Joseph’s boy held some strong overhead grabs in the line of fire, and set the side up for a number of attacking forays. Vastly underrated, and will only get better.Ryan Cook: Coming on and off the ground, Cook was never able to settle across half forward, although his attack on the ball was certainly not lacking. Missed a golden opportunity to stamp his name on the match with an opening goal beckoning on the run from 45 metres out, but unfortunately attempted a cute check-side snap across his body, only to miss the big sticks, a lesson the Deadening boy will keep locked away in the memory bank for future outings.Travis Cloke: Another of the bright lights in attack, Cloke looks set to help fill the void left by Chris Tarrant’s departure to Fremantle, and on yesterday’s performance is the man to watch intently in 2007. Led strongly, marked extremely well and showed excellence presence of mind, and is now beginning to exert a physical presence.Brad Dick: The West Australian looked sharp on a half forward flank in the first half, showing an Aaron Davey-like ability to run down an opponent from behind, nailing the much larger Brendon Goddard in the first term. Unfortunately, his day was curtailed by a cruel Steven Baker blow on the halftime siren, leaving the field to a rousing applause from the largely Collingwood based crowd.Alan Toovey: Looked to be a real livewire in the opening half before fading slightly in the second. Employed across halfback, Toovey’s pace was a real highlight of the match, showing a real willingness to run and create from the back half. Though he may lack the profile of a number of other youngsters, Toovey may surprise in 2007. Will need to add muscle to his frame, but looks to have something different about him, and is prepared to take risks in order to run the ball out of halfback, in a similar vein to Harry O'Brien and, to a lesser extent, Heath Shaw in his first season of league football in the latter stages of 2005.Simon Prestigiacomo: A no frills performance by Prestigiacomo, who alternated with Wakelin and Clement as to who took on the size of Fraser Gehrig at fullback. Did all you expect from a player nearing the 200-game mark, and will again prove a cornerstone of the team in 2007.Dane Swan: Did not have a major input on the game, and will benefit from the match practice as he approaches full fitness.Sam Iles: A real shining light down back, the Taswegian contributed run, carry and a willingness to the back six, and should come close to selection in the first round on that effort. Beginning to back himself more and more, enjoying his best outing in the black and white to date. Possesses a terrific work ethic, and his continued ability to be where the ball was yesterday will hold him in good stead.Heath Shaw: Now a real team leader in every sense, Shaw the younger outshone all comers off halfback in a blistering first term, and solid efforts in the subsequent three quarters, although spending time on the pine as the rotation system kicked into full swing. On the basis of his first two outings this season, he will only get better as his career wears on. Showed an ability to push into attack and kick goals, too, prepared to run extremely hard off his man to create scoring opportunities.Chris Bryan: Showed promising signs in the ruck and in attack, particularly in the opening and final quarters, with some supporters able to detect the sign of a hidden football brain inside the ex-Blue ruckman’s head with some clever tapwork and a general willingness to compete around the ground. It will be interesting to see how Malthouse and co go about squeezing the quartet of Rocca, Fraser, Richards and Bryan into the one line up.Danny Nicholls: The blond nugget was unable to go on with his promising showing in the pre-season cup clash against the Kangaroos, but showed plenty of intensity when the ball was at ground level. A fierce competitor.Please Note: the views expressed in the above article are solely the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Collingwood Football Club or employees of the Club. The Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge the tireless work of those supporters who contribute to collingwoodfc.com.au.