NAB Cup match and ticketing information >>
Watch highlights and Luke Ball's press Conference >>
See the photo gallery >>
Collingwood held a spirited and competitive intra-club practice match at Gosch’s Paddock on Friday morning as the Magpies prepare for the start of the NAB Cup.
Friday’s hitout was the squad’s final match practice before Collingwood takes on Carlton and Richmond at Docklands on Saturday 12 February as part the AFL’s revamped opening round of the pre-season competition.
Early morning rain made conditions slippery in warm, humid weather as Sharrod Wellingham started off brilliantly with a clearance and follow-up goal as the evenly-balanced sides got proceedings underway in front of a few hundred enthusiastic supporters.
Young key-position rookie Jack Perham was a proving to be a good target up forward, while Steele Sidebottom and mature-age recruit Andrew Krakouer were finding plenty of the ball and showing off clean skills in traffic.
Lively small Kirk Ugle impressed with an excellent crumbing goal early in the second term, while Heath Shaw and Harry O’Brien worked their way into the game and provided great run, carry and finish off half back throughout the match.
Tom Young and Lachlan Keeffe, who both were elevated onto the senior list from the rookie list for the 2011 season, were impressive in defensive roles, while 2010 All Australians Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan won plenty of quality ball, setting an example for young midfielders Jye Bolton and Alex Fasolo who were also solid.
Chris Tarrant and Luke Ball moved really well and showed off the benefits of a strong pre-season campaign, as the Magpies got through the game unscathed on the injury front.
Overall there was plenty for senior coach Mick Malthouse and his team of assistants to like, especially considering the challenging conditions.
At this stage all players on the list are in the mix to be selected for the first week of the NAB Cup.
Click on the links above for CTV highlights from the intra-club match as well as a photo gallery, and NAB Cup match and ticketing information.
