Eighteen Collingwood players were given an opportunity to gain match fitness with a hit-out against St Kilda at the Holden Centre on Saturday. 

Here’s a review of the squad that took part in the 16v16 scratch match.

FLYNN APPLEBY
Playing on the half forward flank, Appleby returned for his first game since an ankle injury. Lively performance with two goals, one from 50m on the run. Pressure elite. One of the better players on the day.

ATU BOSENAVULAGI
Used his speed to his advantage across half forward and some minutes in the midfield. Pressure around the football was impressive. Looks threatening at times.

TIM BROOMHEAD
21 disposals out of the forward line with bursts on the ball. Kicked two majors. Skill level very good. 

MASON COX
13 marks and one goal. Cox had a significant presence up forward and in the air. Chopped out Lynch in the ruck when needed.

LYNDEN DUNN
Second appearance in over a year after rupturing his ACL in a VFL match. Leadership qualities with younger players very impressive. Positive aerial work from Dunn.

MARK KEANE
Two weeks since returning from isolation, Keane had his first hit-out which meant he was on game restrictions. Skills out of defence very good considering he hadn’t touched a football much of late.

WILL KELLY
Two goals and seven marks playing forward as a lead up option. Aerial work very strong. Development is tracking in the right direction.

MAX LYNCH
Rucked all day. Carried good form from Richmond scratch match the week before. Aerial work good. Clearly has worked hard over the break with two back-to-back performances.

NATHAN MURPHY
Started off half-back and then moved onto the wing. Murphy’s first opportunity on the wing that showed promising signs. Used confidence to hit difficult targets. Stepped up from the Richmond game the previous week.+ 

ISAAC QUAYNOR
Run and carry off the half-back line was good. Held his own against his opponent. 

JAY RANTALL
Work rate king, big GPS numbers. Mainly played through the midfield. First full game since the COVID-19 return.

TREY RUSCOE
Playing a variety of roles in his first year at the club. Progressing well.

MATT SCHARENBERG
Breaking lines out of defence with his risk taking. Positive impact on the game. 

BRAYDEN SIER
Played midfield all day. Connection with Lynch in the ruck was positive with a number of clearances.

JOSH THOMAS
Dropped from the senior side, returned with a good attitude. 18 disposals and two goals. Spent his time up forward and in the midfield.

ADAM TRELOAR
First hit-out since the Marsh Series, got through the game unscathed. Ran out the game and found plenty of the ball. Plenty of time in the midfield breaking lines and providing the football to the forwards. A solid four-quarter effort. 

TRAVIS VARCOE
Rebound option off the half-back line. Used his speed to carry the football. Starting to hit full fitness. Leadership with younger players impressive. 

TOM WILSON
Mainly played on the wing, spent a brief time up forward. Aerial skills very good. Significant growth in his game since arriving at the club.


Collingwood 10.3 (63)
St Kilda 11.6 (72) 

Goals: Appleby 2, Broomhead 2, Thomas 2, Kelly 2, Sier, Cox