Recap AFL Media's five biggest talking points from Saturday's win over the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium.
1. Collingwood storms into top two
Collingwood propelled itself into second place on the ladder with its sixth win in a row. The Magpies’ 39-point victory over the Suns was also their tenth win of the year, the first time they've won that many games in a season since 2015. Adam Treloar might have been missing but the Pies’ midfield was as fearsome as ever, with skipper Scott Pendlebury leading the way on the back of some sensational service from ruckman Brodie Grundy. Nathan Buckley's men are finals bound and have now laid the groundwork for a top-four finish.
2. Reborn Pie scores goal-of-the-year contender
Josh Thomas came back to haunt the team he once played Under 18s for with a sensational four goal effort, including an Eddie Betts-like goal of the year contender in the second quarter. Thomas looked like he would slide across the boundary with the ball, but kept the Sherrin in play, regained his feet and snapped truly from the pocket. Thomas played for the Gold Coast in TAC Cup in 2009 before the expansion club joined the AFL but was drafted by Collingwood. His performance showed why the Suns would rue not picking him up.
3. Suns show last-quarter fight
Just when it looked like Gold Coast was staring down the barrel of another blow out, Stuart Dew's side showed some much needed fight to win the last quarter. They might have claimed it by a mere point, but it was only the second time they’ve won a final term this season, so for Suns fans, it’s a start. Wil Powell on debut looked promising, scoring a fantastic snapped goal with this first kick in AFL football, while Gold Coast local Brayden Crossley also put in a solid performance.
4. Young Pie stakes Rising Star claim
You could nearly start writing Jaidyn Stephenson's name on the Rising Star award now. The first-year Collingwood forward has been building momentum in recent weeks and kept his hot form going with a three-goal performance against the Suns. The smart 19-year-old scored his first goal in the second quarter when he gave stronger-bodied opponent Steven May a well-timed nudge under the ball, allowing the Pie to run into an open goal. The elusive Stephenson then scored two quick goals early in the third term to take the game away from the Suns.
5. Hollywood on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast might have been missing some star power on the field with gun forward Tom Lynch out injured, but it was a different prospect in the stands with Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon spotted enjoying the hospitality at Metricon Stadium. The buzz around the ground was that AFL-mad actor Chris Hemsworth, who lives just over the border in northern New South Wales, was the man responsible for bringing Damon along. Unfortunately for the Gold Coast fans, the Suns couldn’t make a Jason Bourne-like escape from a rampaging Collingwood's clutches.
Matt Damon enjoys the action at Metricon Stadium. Image: AFL Photos.
