Collingwood has defeated Coburg by 24 points in their Round 3 VFL clash at Barry Plant Park.

In blustery conditions, the opening half was a shootout as the Pies and Lions traded blows – with the margin not going beyond 10 points for either side.  

Defender Tew Jiath was a big presence in the backline, showcasing his speed and agility to quickly transition the ball out of Collingwood’s defensive 50.

In his first VFL game of 2025, Mason Cox stood tall early, booting two goals in the opening quarter and finishing the half with three.

Riley Mason also finished the first half with three goals, following on from his four-goal haul in his VFL debut in Round 1.

Premiership Pie Will Hoskin-Elliott provided much needed pressure in the Pies’ backline, finishing the opening half with a game-high four tackles to go with his second-quarter goal.

After trailing by four points at the half, Coburg came out firing in the third quarter, kicking three straight goals.

Collingwood struggled to match Coburg’s composure, however Charlie West helped spur his team with a goal after being hit up by Mason. Mason quickly followed suit with his own, taking his tally to four.

While Coburg found another 16-point lead, Collingwood refused to give up, with Josh Browne and West kicking back-to-back goals to bring the Pies within two points.

West kept his third quarter momentum going, kicking two quick goals to open the final quarter. While Coburg attempted to fight back, the Collingwood backline in Charlie Dean and VFL captain Sam Glover were well prepared.

Mason found himself on the end of another goal, bringing his total to five, while Finlay Macrae, Oleg Markov, and Tom Wilson kicked consecutive goals to bring the Pies home by 24 points.

MATCH CENTRE: COBURG V COLLINGWOOD

The numbers:

Lachie Sullivan was the leading ball winner for Collingwood, finishing his day with 28 disposals and eight clearances.

Riley Mason (five goals) backed up his four-goal haul on debut in Round 1, while 2024 AFL draftee Charlie West (five goals) and Mason Cox (three goals) made their presence known in the forward line.

Finlay Macrae (24 disposals, two goals) was also impressive following his return to footy in 2025 following his return from shoulder injury.

Collingwood will now turn their attention to facing Brisbane’s VFL side on Friday 18 April at Brighton Homes Arena, Springfield QLD (12:05pm).

COBURG             5.4       9.6     14.9     15.13  (103)
COLLINGWOOD  5.0      10.3    14.5     20.7    (127)

GOALS
Coburg: Mitch Podhajski (4), Josh D’Intinosante (4), Jesse Corigliano (3), Donovan Toohey, Max Thompson, Jordyn Gillard, Matthew Allison
Collingwood: Riley Mason (5), Charlie West (5), Mason Cox (3), Finlay Macrae (2), Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Wilson, Oleg Markov, Will Hayes, Josh Browne

BEST
Collingwood: Riley Mason, Charlie West, Lachie Sullivan, Oscar Steene, Mason Cox, Josh Browne