Hawthorn has bounced from a poor pre-season showing against the Cats last week to push Collingwood all the way in a competitive hit out on Thursday night.
While the Hawks ultimately went down by six points, Sam Mitchell’s young troops stole the lead in the third quarter and proved they’ll be no easy beats in 2023 with some free-flowing, end-to-end footy.
The final score read 15.16 (106) to 14.16 (100) in Collingwood’s favour in Launceston. But in both sides final competitive hitout before Round 1 in a fortnight’s time, both Mitchell and Craig McRae will take significant positives out of the clash.
However, the match was significantly soured by a shoulder injury to Pat Lipinski for those in black and white, while there are also other worries for Pies fans.
Here’s what you need to know out of the game.
Pat Lipinski set for time on sidelines
Collingwood midfielder Pat Lipinski is likely to miss part of Collingwood’s 2023 campaign after dislocating his shoulder against the Hawks.
He suffered the injury midway through the fourth term in an innocuous incident and took no further part in the clash.
Unfortunately, Pat Lipinski has suffered a dislocation of his left shoulder.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 2, 2023
He will have an MRI and be assessed with the Club to provide a further update in due course.
Lipinski had been dominant up until that point, with two goals from 22 possessions. He impressed in his debut season with the Magpies last year after crossing from the Western Bulldogs.
Hawthorn’s midfield will be competitive in 2023
Jai Newcombe, Cam Mackenzie, James Worpel and Josh Ward were the Hawks’ primary engine room on Thursday night. But the quartet showed plenty of signs for the future, which is all Hawks fans needed to see in what is set to be a year of growth for the club.
Newcombe led the midfield last year and his performance against Collingwood suggested he can take another leap forward in 2023. He gathered 27 possessions (nine contested), while Mackenzie in his first appearance for the Hawks has 24 touches.
Worpel bounced back after a poor outing last week with 30 touches (17 contested) and eight inside 50s, while Ward (18 disposals) and Will Day (20 disposals) were also impressive.
If those players can maintain a similar output and others can keep taking steps, it’s going to be a good year for Hawthorn in 2023.
Jordan De Goey’s sling tackle
De Goey enjoyed a brilliant performance until late in the game. He finished with 31 disposals, a game-high 13 inside 50s, 11 score involvements and two behinds and would have had Collingwood fans buoyed by what he’d produced with six minutes to play.
However, an erratic sling tackle on Ned Reeves with six minutes to play could see him rubbed out for a week or two. Melbourne great Garry Lyon suggested on commentary for Fox Footy that De Goey could be suspended, but added there was no malice in the tackle.
Reeves played out the game.
Is Jordan De Goey in any trouble for this dumping tackle on Lloyd Meek?
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 2, 2023
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Regardless, De Goey has clearly returned in tip-top shape after inking a contract extension at the Magpies late last year.