Collingwood VFL captain Jack Hellier says he wouldn’t be surprised if some of his younger teammates get an opportunity to play at the senior level after impressing in the seconds.

The praise comes after some of Collingwood’s young stars led the VFL Magpies to a two-point victory over Richmond at Punt Road Oval on Sunday morning.

Led by 21-year-old utility Tom Phillips (three goals), 22-year-old defender Jackson Ramsay and first-year players Callum Brown and Josh Daicos, the Magpies fought back from three goals down in the final term to pinch a thrilling victory over the Tigers.

“Some of our young guys have been coming on leaps and bounds,” Hellier told Collingwood Media post-game.

“Browny has already had a taste of AFL and I think that’s done wonders for him.

“And Daics, I wouldn’t be surprised (if he gets his chance). He’s not far off. His form over the past month has been great.

“I hope they all get their opportunities,” the VFL skipper said.



Hellier celebrates a Callum Brown goal in the Magpies-Tigers clash at Punt Road Oval. Photo: Shane Barrie.

But perhaps the most memorable moment from a young Magpie on Sunday was the match-winning goal to VFL-listed midfielder, Lachlan Tardrew.

The 19-year-old has become a key figure in Collingwood’s VFL midfield, but on Sunday, he showcased his timely ability as a goal kicker.

Down by five points with only minutes to play, Tardrew capitalized on a stoppage and floated one through from 45 metres to give Collingwood back the lead in a see-sawing affair.

“It was like a set play. Lachie didn’t have anyone on him,” Hellier recounted.

“He just tapped it over from the stoppage - we were all shouting and pointing to the goals - and he just put it through.

“He carried on a little bit (with his celebrations), but we all got around him,” the skipper teased.



The VFL Magpies celebrate with Lachie Tardrew after he kicked the match-winning goal on Sunday. Photo: Shane Barrie.

The goal handed the Magpies a much-needed victory, as they remain in the hunt for the VFL finals.

But half way through the final term, the result didn’t look as promising.

After controlling the first half with 10 more scoring shots over the Tigers, it was the home side that came out stronger in the third term.

Richmond piled on seven consecutive goals to the Magpies' two. However, the Magpies' first half scoreboard prowess proved significant, as it kept them alive in the contest despite the lopsided term.

“We held our way through the first half pretty well, but then they came out harder in the thid term and really put it to us.”

“Jared Rivers sort of gave us a spray at the three-quarter-time, which was well and truly deserved.

“It was a a great fight back. I’m glad we got the win and I’m really proud of this group.”


Hellier – the much-loved captain of Collingwood’s VFL program – returned from an ACL injury in round seven this year to lead the Magpies once again.

“We didn’t get off to the start of the season we wouldn’t have liked. At 1-5, it wasn’t ideal.”

“The credit goes to the boys. We’ve had a real go and it’s shown great character from the team to bounce back like we have.

“The feeling around the place today was great and I love being a part of it.”

The win leaves Collingwood in 11th position on the VFL ladder, and two games out of the eight with five rounds remaining.

“It’s cliché, but we’ll take it one week at a time,” Hellier said of his team’s focus on finals.

“We’ve had a good six weeks and we’ll try build on that.

“We’ll look to next week when we play Essendon, who gave us a real touch up last time we played them.”

The VFL Magpies meet the Bombers next Sunday morning at Victoria Park.

VFL Round 14 Recap
Collingwood v Richmond
Sunday 23 July, 2017
Punt Road Oval, 10:20am

COLLINGWOOD:   3.4   9.10  11.11   14.20   (104)
RICHMOND:          5.1   8.1    15.3     16.6     (102)

GOALS
Collingwood: Phillips 3, Cox 2, White 2, Kirby 2, Brown, Keeffe, Lynch, Mayne, Tardrew
Richmond: Stengle 4, Elton 2, Townsend 2, Hunt 2, Bolton, Lloyd, Silvestro, Lennon, Wood

BEST
Collingwood: Phillips, Cox, Borthwick, Ramsay, M Smith, Brown
Richmond: Hunt, Townsend, Batchelor, Ballard, Stengle, Cotfield