Collingwood has gone down by 29 points in its Round 20 VFL clash against Sydney on Friday.
Ash Johnson's 20th goal of the season kicked things off for the Pies, before co-Captain Sam Glover found the big sticks for the fourth time in 2024 to open the first quarter well.
The Pies had a brilliant start in the second quarter too and took their first lead of the game off the back of goals to Tom Wilson and a second from Johnson, as the visitors got their run going off half back. Harry DeMattia's second goal of the season later gave the Pies a nine-point lead at the main break.
Sydney responded strongly in the third term though with five unanswered goals to regain control over the match, as they took a 20-point lead into three quarter time.
The Pies were valiant in the final term, however the Swans held strong to run out victors.
Sullivan stars through the midfield
Having been in and out of the AFL side over the past month, Lachie Sullivan's presence at Tramway Oval on Friday was greatly appreciated by the Pies as he ran hard through the midfield.
With an enjoyable record at the ground - having racked up a whopping 45 disposals when he played there last season for Footscray - the first-year Pie brought his own footy once again to record 17 touches to half time.
12 of them were handballs, as he provided great linking in many chains for the Pies who played a fantastic second quarter.
Sullivan finished with 25 disposals, while fellow midfielders Ed Allan (23 dispsoals) and Finlay Macrae (29 touches) were also strong.
Parker patrols across half back
As has quickly become customary in Wil Parker's first season at AFL and VFL level, the defender was as classy as ever across the penultimate line of defence on Friday.
With eight first quarter marks, the young Pie's disposal efficiency and ability to provide a short target shone through as the Pies linked up well in the first half, helping them to a nine-point lead at the main change.
Having played three games at AFL level this season after only arriving at the Club in February, the former cricketer is thriving in his first full year of football since he was in the Coates Talent League.
Finishing the day with 10 marks and 18 disposals, the 22-year-old was one of the Pies' strongest performers on the day.
DeMattia continues impressive rise
Having missed the opening month of the year through an injury sustained in the pre-season, the Pies' first pick in last year's draft Harry DeMattia has had an impressive rise in 2024.
After racking up an equal season-high 23 touches against Richmond a fortnight ago, the left-footer backed it up on Friday with another eye-catching performance.
Delivering well inside fifty and pressuring around the contest too, DeMattia was an omnipresence for the Pies and even found the big sticks for the second time this season.
His sharp left foot was able to flourish up in Sydney, as he racked up 23 disposals yet again for the third time this season, while also laying seven strong tackles.
Yet to make his AFL debut, the 18-year-old is making a strong case to feature on the big stage after a consistent string of performances.
SYDNEY 3.4 3.6 9.7 11.8 (74)
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 5.3 6.5 6.9 (45)
GOALS
Collingwood: Johnson 2, Wilson, Willis, Glover, DeMattia
