Collingwood’s VFL side has registered the Club’s first win for 2024, having triumphed over St Kilda’s reserves side Sandringham in one of three games between the two Clubs’ teams.

The Club’s AFL team couldn’t quite get over the line on Thursday evening against the Saints, falling by 15 points in a topsy-turvy clash.

A VFL/VFLW double-header ensued the following day, with Collingwood’s VFL side running out 28-point winners against St Kilda’s affiliate, Sandringham, in the earlier game, before the Southern Saints defeated the Pies’ VFLW team by eight points later that evening.

With three teams back in action, and the Club’s Wheelchair and Reclink sides not far off beginning their seasons, here is the wash up from each match over the weekend.

AFL – St Kilda defeated Collingwood by 15 points

The Pies made a fast start at the MCG for Spud’s game, kicking three of the first four goals, including one from the returning Reef McInnes who lined up for is first game at the top level since June last year.

An unfortunate injury to St Kilda’s Mason Wood stopped play for close to 10 minutes late in the first quarter, with the Pies unable to continue their momentum when play returned as the Saints piled on five straight goals.

Jamie Elliott was the only Pies goal-kicker during the third term – one of the forward’s three goals for the night – as St Kilda held a 20-point lead at three quarter time.

Two Bobby Hill goals halfway through the fourth quarter – one inspired by a brilliant Lachie Schultz smother at half back – reduced the margin to under three goals, however the Saints held on to register their first win over the year.

Elliott and McInnes were the Pies’ most prolific forwards with the latter also kicking three goals, while Josh Daicos played his best game of 2024 so far with 29 disposals on the wing.

A Grand Final rematch awaits the Pies this week as they take on Brisbane in their traditional Easter Thursday clash at the Gabba.

VFL – Collingwood defeated Sandringham by 28 points

A windy afternoon greeted the Pies for their first men’s game in Moorabbin since 1991, with conditions playing a major role in the first half of the game.

The Zebras got off to a flying start as they kicked with the wind, putting the opening five goals of the game through the big sticks.

A pack mark and set shot from VFL recruit Jack Hutchinson late in the first term crucially got the Pies on the board, before veteran Tom Wilson rolled home the side’s second to reduce the quarter time margin to 20 points.

The second quarter end change allowed the Pies to get on top, swiftly kicking three goals in the opening eight minutes to even the score, before two more gave the visitors a 15-point lead at half time.

Some brilliant team play through goals to Harrison Kennedy, Joe Richards, and Liam Purcell kick-started the Pies in the third term, while they controlled the final quarter between the arcs to record the Club’s first win of the season.

Richards was one of the standout performers with three goals, while John Noble (29 disposals) and newcomer to the VFL squad, Ned Long (25 disposals and 16 tackles) were also fantastic.

Third year forward Harvey Harrison was also great across all four quarters, kicking a goal as part of his 20-disposal effort, while Lachie Sullivan was the team’s leading disposal winner with 30 touches.

The team will travel to Brisbane alongside the AFL squad this week for a Round Two clash with the Lions on Good Friday, who kicked off their season with a win against Essendon on Saturday.

VFLW – Southern Saints defeated Collingwood by eight points

The VFLW side followed the Club’s VFL team in the second game at RSEA Park on Friday with a new-look side, hoping to secure a first up win.

New captain Meg Ryan was one of the key players who set the tone in a low-scoring opening term, while ruck Lilly Pearce started well.

A goal to Sachi Degiacomi late in the second quarter briefly gave the Pies the lead, however the Saints fought back with the next two goals in the third term.

Charli Granville kicked the team’s second goal for the evening late in the final quarter to reduce to margin to single figures, however the Saints held on.

Pearce finished with a stunning 38 hit outs, while Carly Remmos recorded 23 disposals.

Francese Walsh and Nikki Watts were also strong with 16 touches each.

The Pies take on Port Melbourne next Friday in a Grand Final rematch as they seek their first win under new coach Tom Cashin.