It was a brave win from unlikely victors as the West Coast Eagles defeated Collingwood by 13 points on Saturday evening.
West Coast's against-the-odds win came from a powerful performance across the game.
Coming off the back of a COVID nightmare which has decimated their squad so far this season, the Eagles are slowly regaining some of their more experienced players, welcoming Liam Duggan, Tom Barrass and Willie Rioli back from health and safety protocols.
But their midfield was still without Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed, Tim Kelly and Andrew Gaff, so a few of the top-up list headed back out on the field and did so impressively.
“This is a victory not many would’ve seen coming at all,” Garry Lyon told Fox Footy.
The game was not all one sided. The Pies looked like they might run away with the victory during the third quarter and early in the fourth term.
Brody Mihocek showed no fear and was vital in keeping Collingwood in the game. He took two massive marks including a crucial grab in the goal square to put the Magpies back in front.
“That is an underrated mark. Running with the flight, McGovern his opponent, a post right in his vision and right on the line. He’s taken six contested marks, been enormous Brody Mihocek,” Lyon said.
The Daicos brothers Josh and Nick were electric. Nick reached his career-high, totalling 32 disposals.
The Magpies were without two key midfielders in Jordan De Goey due to his one-match suspension and Taylor Adams due to health and safety protocols.
Jamie Elliott walked off the field clutching his right shoulder early in the final term after getting crunched in a tackle. This will be bad news for Collingwood as they play Brisbane in Round 5 at the Gabba.
Heading into the final term it could’ve gone either way, but West Coast held their ground until the final siren and refused to yield.
The Eagles veteran players all showed up, Jeremy McGovern providing a solid wall in the backline that proved hard for the Magpies to break through. Fittingly, Jack Darling secured the win for the Eagles with his second goal of the match.
The Eagles' first win of the season was celebrated by all. Willie Rioli was emotional following the gusty win.
“It means a lot to the group, it’s been a tough few weeks of the season but to get a win on the board and away from home too, it’s tremendous for the group we have.”
The Eagles will look to continue their high flying against Sydney next Friday.
FULL SCORE
Collingwood: 1.2, 6.6, 9.10, 10.14 (74)
West Coast: 2.2, 7.2, 9.3, 14.3 (87)
GOALS
Collingwood: J Ginnivan, B Mihocek 2, D Cameron, J Daicos, O Henry, W Hoskin-Elliot, B Maynard, T Wilson
West Coast: J Kennedy, W Rioli 3, L Ryan, J Darling 2, L Edwards, Z Langdon, P Naish, J Waterman
BEST
Collingwood: J Daicos, N Daicos, B Mihocek, B Grundy, B Maynard
West Coast: W Rioli, A Witherden, L Duggan, J McGovern, J Kennedy
INJURIES
Collingwood: J Elliot (shoulder) replaced by T Bianco
West Coast: L Edwards (unknown) replaced by J Rothham