Collingwood has gone down by seven points at Genis Steel Oval on Saturday in their Round Seven clash against the Northern Bullants.

The Pies started well through goals to key forwards Nathan Krueger and Ash Johnson who both took big pack marks before converting, while the team's defence started well led by Charlie Dean and Sam Glover.

Former Bullant Tom Wilson got Collingwood going in his 160th VFL game in the second term with a brilliant snap over his shoulder, while Johnson kicked his second of the day shortly after to give the Pies an 11-point lead at half time. 

Only Johnson would find the big sticks for either side in a scrappy third quarter, as the Pies took a 23-point lead into the final break. 

A five goal term by the Bullants in the fourth quarter saw them run over the top of the Pies however, with the Pies only managing one goal in the last term.

Dean dominates in defence

A clear leader in defensive 50 for his side, 22-year-old Charlie Dean was brilliant on Saturday, set up by a scintillating first quarter. the 194cm tall took five marks in the opening term alone and intercepted the Bullants' forward entries at will. He won a crucial one-on-one early in the second quarter to yet again repent the Bullants as they hunted their first goal, and finished with 14 disposals and eight marks in the first half. He continued his storng game throughout the second half to finish with 25 disposals and 13 marks. 

Parker continues composed return

Only in his fourth game for the Club since returning to the sport for the first time since 2019, Category B rookie Wil Parker has continued to impress in his opening month of footy. Playing largely off half back, the 180cm defender's ball use and composure has been emphasised each week, with Parker rarely missing a target by hand or foot. Will still developing his body having not completed a full AFL pre-season yet, the former cricketer has shown no qualms around contested ball either - often meeting the ball front on and tackling strongly throughout.  The 21-year-old recorded 16 disposals and five marks across his four quarters. 

Co-captains stand up

With a season-high 16 VFL-listed players suiting up for Saturday's clash as injuries ravaged the Pies at the AFL selection table, Co-captains Sam Glover and Campbell Lane led their charges with aplomb at Genis Steel Oval. Glover, who has switched between forward and defence this season, remained in the back fifty for the majority of the day and started hot with a pair of intercept marks. Lane, playing in his 81st VFL match for the Club, showed his typical poise through the midfield and defence and was a significant force in driving the ball forward. Recording 17 and 15 disposals respectively, the pair were strong leaders throughout the scrappy contest. 

Sparkes fights hard in the midfield 

Having earned respect through his strong work in the contest and tackling ability over the course of his short career at the Pies so far, VFL-listed midfielder Ryan Sparkes was rewarded with one of his best games of the year on Saturday. A heavily muddy centre square didn't faze the Wonthaggi product, as he got his hands dirty from the outset to lead a midfield that was lacking the likes of Ned Long, Jack Bytel and Lachie Sullivan who have been key drivers in the early stages of the year. The 22-year-old stepped up with a big goal in the final term and finished with 22 disposals and five tackles. 

The Pies will play their second home game of the season next week when they host Werribee at Victoria Park.