Collingwood has defeated Sydney by 25-points in their Round 1 VFL clash at Victoria Park.
2024 AFL draftee Will Hayes hit the scoreboard early, kicking the Pies’ first of the 2025 season.
It was a tight tussle across the first half, however, a six goal third quarter, including three to Riley Mason, gave the Pies a 19-point lead at the final break.
The Pies generated 13 less inside 50s than the Swans, however, their accuracy in front of goal led to strong conversion across all four quarters.
Sydney could only manage three additional goals in response to Collingwood’s four in the fourth quarter, with the Pies securing the victory.
MATCH CENTRE: COLLINGWOOD v SYDNEY
The numbers:
21-year-old Midfielder Ed Allan was the major ball winner, collecting 31 disposals (13 contested), seven clearances, six score involvements, and a goal.
VFL-listed recruit Josh Mason starred on VFL debut, kicking four goals from five kicks, including three in the third quarter
Dashing defender Wil Parker saw plenty of the ball off half-back, gathering 21 disposals including eight intercept possessions.
In their first official match of 2025, key defenders Billy Frampton (17 disposals, nine intercept possessions, seven marks) and Charlie Dean (18 disposals, seven marks) were reliable in defence.
Lachlan Sullivan was at his consistent best, gathering 23 disposals including eight inside 50s, and seven tackles.
In their first clash at senior level, 2024 AFL draftees Charlie West (two goals), Will Hayes (15 disposals, eight marks, one goal), and Joel Cochran (15 disposals at 86.7%) showed promising signs.
Collingwood have the bye in Round 2, with their next clash on Sunday 6 April against Coburg at Piranha Park, Coburg (1.05pm).
COLLINGWOOD 2.0 3.3 9.3 13.6 (84)
SYDNEY 0.3 2.4 5.8 8.11 (59)
GOALS
Collingwood: Josh Mason 4, Charlie West 2, Harry Mahoney 2, Josh Tovey, Max Mahoney, Will Hoskin-Elliott, William Hayes, Ed Allan.
Sydney: Tom Longmire 2, James Tidemann, Willem Smit, Matt Lloyd, Jack Kluske, Jack Buller, Ned Bowman.
BEST
Collingwood: Billy Frampton, Charlie Dean, Ed Allan, Riley Mason, Brady Grey, Iliro Smit.
