West Coast too powerful for plucky Pies as forwards Darling and Allen star

Collingwood’s nightmare start to the season continued in front of a packed crowd in Perth when Nathan Buckley’s injury-hit team battled bravely but couldn’t match a West Coast Eagles team desperate to atone for their round four fade out against St Kilda.

At times it seemed as though a power-packed Eagles front line would blow the visitors away but Buckley’s men dug in and while they never looked seriously like winning after taking a surprise first quarter lead they at least managed to give themselves some faint hopes into the final term before succumbing 16.7 (103) to 11.10 (76).

West Coast’s Tom Barrass flies for a mark.Credit:Getty Images

Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy and youngster Oscar Allen proved a compelling strike force for the Eagles while midfielder Dom Sheed, with three goals in three minutes during a dominant third quarter, ensured the Eagles would take the four points.

Whoever is in charge of the Magpies is always under pressure, and even though less than a quarter of the season has elapsed Buckley is already in the firing line. This fourth loss in five games is unlikely to quell the criticism, even though there were mitigating circumstances.

Injuries to key defender Jeremy Howe- who damaged a hamstring in the second quarter – and to midfielder Jordan De Goey with what has been described as a facial injury early in the match ensured that Collingwood’s resources were stretched to the limit.

Jeremy Howe is attended to by trainers.Credit:Getty Images

Buckley had rung the changes with his line up and opted to shift defender Darcy Moore into the forward line. He eventually kicked three goals.

It was a gamble given the strength of the Eagles’ attack but it looked, for a quarter and a half, as though it might pay off as the Pies sought to impose themselves on their hosts.

They were were intense and committed in the opening period when Moore managed to get on the scoresheet while another big man, Brodie Grundy, also goaled twice to put the Pies 15 points in front at the first change.

That, however, was as good as it got for the visitors as the loss of Howe and De Goey took effect and the Eagles clicked into gear.

The West Australians’ pace and power ensured they got on top and their pressure in forward areas meant that Collingwood were denied any easy possessions and could not play out from the back.

Collingwood will take some solace from the performance of some of their youngsters. Beau McCreery kicked two goals in his third AFL game, while to their credit Buckley’s men never gave up and when Darcy Cameron kicked a goal with nine minutes remaining the black and white faithful dared to dream, given that the gap had shrunk to 22 points.

DARLING BOY

The Eagles found their mojo in the second quarter and Darling in particular stood up when his team needed him, kicking four goals. His size and power proved too much for the Collingwood backline, particularly when Howe limped off, helped to the rooms by two trainers. When things were getting tighter in the final term as the Pies got within 21 points Darling settled nerves with his fifth goal.

OSCAR TIME

Allen was another to shine in the second period, adding to his first quarter strike with two goals, including one on the stroke of the siren which put the Eagles 12 points up at the long break. He ended up with five goals, a career high.

Best: West Coast: Darling, Allen, Kennedy, Sheed, Natanui. Collingwood: Mihocek, Grundy, McCreery, Moore

REAL FOOTY

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up here to our Real Footy newsletter delivered to your inbox on Mondays and Fridays.

Most Viewed in Sport

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article