With both sides resting many of their stars, Collingwood played a consistent brand of four-quarter footy to eventually overrun Richmond by 28 points at Visy Park on Friday 5 March.
In front of a modest-sized crowd, the Magpies opened up a ten-point lead after the first quarter and held on to the lead at every break to claim their consecutive NAB Challenge win.
While wayward kicking cost the Magpies a larger margin of victory, there were many positive signs to emerge from the match.
John Anthony’s return to the senior side proved fruitful with last year’s leading goal kicker booting two majors. His play alongside Chris Dawes showed a potent attack with Travis Cloke and Paul Medhurst attacking leading up the ground.
It was in the midfield where the match was won with Sharrod Wellingham (22 disposals), John McCarthy (20) and Luke Ball (20) all in the side’s best. Young guns Jaxson Barham (16), Ben Sinclair (10) and Jarryd Blair (17) looked comfortable in their roles and proved they were up to the pace of senior footy.
Skipper Nick Maxwell controlled the play in the back half and was constantly cutting off many of Richmond’s forward ventures.
For the Tigers the majority of their attack was carried out by Mitch Mortan (4 goals) with Shane Tuck (33 possessions) and Matthew White (30) giving plenty of service.
The only disappointing note in the match for the Magpies was kicking 13 points while not managing one goal in the final term.
Stay tuned to Collingwoodfc.com.au to find out the schedule for next week’s final NAB Challenge match.
Final score
Collingwood: 3.4 9.10 11.11 11.24 (90)
Richmond: 2.0 4.1 8.5 9.8 (62)
Goals
Collingwood: Anthony 2, McCarthy 2, Corrie 2, Jolly, Sinclair, Barham, Lockyer, Ball
Richmond: Morton 4, King 2, Polo, Roberts, Vickery
Best
Collingwood: Wellingham, McCarthy, Ball, Medhurst, Sinclair, Barham
Richmond: Collins, White, Webberley, Tuck, McMahon