Stephenson the round four Rising Star frontrunner
Collingwood sought advice from a cardiologist before selecting Jaidyn Stephenson with pick No. 6 in last year’s draft. But the 19-year-old show plenty of heart against the Crows, proving a match-winner up forward. He kicked five goals, including a 60m bomb which gave the Pies a commanding 52-point lead in the third quarter. He then missed out on another major in the third when he strangely went with a checkside set shot from a slight angle. Stephenson's performance should see him grab the round four AFL Rising Star nomination.

Welcome back Jordan
It's better late than never but Jordan De Goey’s 2018 season is finally underway. The 22-year-old got caught drink driving during the pre-season and was already facing a club-imposed ban. He then suffered a hamstring injury before finally earning his spot in the seniors after good form in the VFL. While it wasn’t a huge possession game, he showed class in his comeback, finishing with 15 touches and a goal.

Drought ends for Pies
It’s taken five attempts, but Collingwood has finally recorded a win at Adelaide Oval. The Magpies have been competitive in their previous outings at SA’s home of football, with their biggest losing margin 19 points. It’s also the Pies’ first win over the Crows since 2013, and their biggest winning margin against them since round 21, 1996. Four goals in a row saw Adelaide eat away at a big lead, and brought back memories of last year’s draw, but this time Collingwood was able to absorb the challenge.

Crows pay the price for top heavy forward line
The inclusion of Darcy Fogarty meant the Crows entered the clash with five players standing 190cm or taller. The club felt the tall targets would prove menacing despite the forecast wet weather. The decision backfired with one of the most imposing attacks in the competition delivering a rare below-par performance at home. But the slippery first-half conditions weren’t the only reason they struggled - the normally clean supply from the midfield wasn’t there either. There were just four goals between Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch, Mitch McGovern and Fogarty.



Jaidyn Stephenson and Jordan De Goey celebrate a goal during Collingwood's win over Adelaide.