Collingwood has triumphed by 11 points in a thrilling Round 18 VFL clash against Richmond.

In a wet and scrappy day at the Swinburne Centre, the Pies held on for a much-deserved win with a host of young players standing up. 

The Pies started well with the first three goals of the game, as Ben Crocker, Tom Wilson, and Iliro Smit all hit the scoreboard.

Richmond hit back with three goals of their own to make it a two-point game at the first break, however the Pies clicked back into gear in the second quarter.

A scrappy third quarter saw neither team kick a goal until the final two minutes despite the rain clearing, with the slippery conditions keeping the game in the balance with one term to play.

The fourth term was similar, however an early goal to Harry Kennedy got the Pies going, before Ryan Sparkes kicked the sealer to confirm the win.

DeMattia continues to shine on the wing

Last year's first pick in the National Draft for the Pies Harry DeMattia had a strong outing against the Tigers on Sunday, racking up 24 disposals.

10 of those came in the first term as the left-footer showed his cleanliness around stoppage and penetrating kick.

The 24 touches is a career-high for the teenager, with the young star collecting five clearances and four marks too.

Playing in various positions throughout his first year in Collingwood colours, DeMattia has now played 12 games for 2024 and looks settled at the level.

Midfielders have fun in the mud

A well balanced midfield group went to work for the Pies on Sunday, taking control of the game around clearance and around the ground.

Ed Allan started the game hot with six first-half clearances, as well as a stunning goal from the pocket in the second term, while DeMattia and Finlay Macrae also went to work around stoppage.

VFL-listed star Ryan Sparkes also worked his way into the game as another important player around the contest, with the tough conditions suiting the Pies' hard-nosed midfield.

Allan's second half was equally impressive as he finished with 30 disposals and a an unbelievable second goal that travelled 80 metres from the centre square. 

Winning the clearances by two and taking 27 more marks than the Tigers, the Pies' midfield was crucial in securing the win. 

Smit continues to excel 

It's been a prosperous start to life at Collingwood for mid-season recruit Iliro Smith, with the 19-year-old impressing yet again in Round 18.

The 200cm big man continued his goal-kicking form from last week by slamming home his third goal in black and white early in the first term, while he took control in the ruck.

With 30 hit outs to half time in what was a stop-start day in the wet at Punt Road, Smit's influence on the match would not go unnoticed. 

He finished with 54 hit outs and eight touches on a great day for the Pies.

Dean patrols in defence on return

Having missed last week through a head knock suffered in Round 16 against Geelong, defender Charlie Dean returned with aplomb on Sunday.

As one of the side's finest interceptors, Dean once again controlled in the air with a whopping 15 marks to stamp his authority on the contest. 

Dean had 26 disposals to go with his marking spree on an amazing day for the 23-year-old.

COLLINGWOOD   3.3     5.7      6.7        9.10  (64)  
RICHMOND             3.1    3.3     4.8     7.11  (53)

GOALS
Collingwood: Crocker 2, Allan 2, Wilson, Sparkes, Smit, Mulvogue, Kennedy