Scott Pendlebury was the dominant force in the first half, producing 17 disposals and a goal as the Magpies scooted out to a handy 28-point lead at the main break. The Collingwood skipper handed the baton to Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom, who both ran riot in the third quarter. Dane Swan brought the relay home with nine disposals and a goal in the final term. Beams (30 disposals), Swan (27), Pendlebury (24) and Sidebottom (22) were all key contributors for the Magpies. And when those four fire, Collingwood don't often lose.
2. Macaffer gets his man
A lot of teams have the theory that if you stop Trent Cotchin, you stop Richmond. The Tigers skipper received constant attention from tagger Brent Macaffer on Friday night, who held Cotchin to just 13 disposals for the game, his lowest tally since round 16, 2010. Macaffer constantly bodied Cotchin off the line of the ball, rendering him ineffective in stoppage situations – a place he usually thrives. Of Cotchin's 13 touches, eight were contested and his disposal efficiency was at just 46.2 per cent. Macaffer was excellent on Geelong's Steve Johnson last week, and added another scalp to his growing collection on Friday night.
3. Tigers misfire
Richmond coach Damian Hardwick showed some positive intent when he had Jack Riewoldt playing out of the goal square at the start of the game. From there, it was all down hill for the Tigers. Richmond's conversion in front of goal in the first three quarters was woeful, finishing with 3.10 up until the final change. Hardwick has been persistent in his view that Richmond needs to find some alternative options to Riewoldt. The Tigers kicked seven goals in the final term to patch up some of the holes, but the fact of the matter is they need to unearth some consistent scoring options. And fast.
4. Great Dane lifts
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has been clear in his assertion that Dane Swan would turn things around. Three quiet weeks in a row led to considerable criticism. Questions were raised about whether Swan has been hampered by a groin injury, a claim Buckley denies. But against the Tigers, Swan went some way to quieting his doubters. It was not a typical best on ground 45-disposal plus display. But it was a start. The Pies champion had 27 disposals, showing a much more dedicated effort to work into space and run defensively as well.
5. Lloyd lights up the MCG
No, not that Lloyd. Sam Lloyd's excellent debut came in trying circumstances at the MCG on Friday night. At stages, the first-gamer looked like Richmond's only dangerous option in attack. The 24-year-old kicked three goals and gathered 22 possessions in an impressive display. His marking prowess belied someone of his 180cm stature and his finishing was spot on, the Deniliquin/Frankston Bombers product nailing all three of his opportunities in front of goal. The Tigers have found one in Lloyd, who they secured with pick No. 66 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
