Two of Collingwood’s most important players marked their return to the VFL in superb style.

Dayne Beams (28 possessions, five tackles) and Tyson Goldsack (eight possessions, five tackles) managed to pump valuable run into their legs and play key roles in their side’s seven-point win over the Box Hill Hawks.

Recap Collingwood’s gritty seven-point win here.

The experience of the premiership pair told in the tense final quarter as the Hawks attempted to pinch a game that Collingwood kept control of for most of the second half.

Beams kicked the match winning goal late in the last quarter when he roved the ball off the back of a pack and dribbled the ball through from close range.

Although he was less prolific, Goldsack laid several strong tackles at key stages of the final term and inspired his younger teammates with his attack on the ball and the opposition.

He spent time at both ends of the ground as he sought to find match fitness after several months out of the game.

17. Dayne Beams
Kicks: 17
Marks: 3
Handballs: 11
Possessions: 28
Goals: 2
Behinds: 2
Clearances: 2
Inside 50s: 6
Rebound 50s: 2
Role: Midfielder pushing forward

Beams says: “I always get nervous before a game but it was more excitement before this game. I couldn’t sleep much last night. Early on I couldn’t get near it too much but it wasn’t about getting the touches, it was more about run in the legs and running out the game. It was the cherry on top to get the result that we did.”

6. Tyson Goldsack
Kicks: 2
Marks: 1
Handballs: 6
Possessions: 8
Goals: 0
Behinds: 1
Clearances: 0
Inside 50s: 1
Rebound 50s: 0
Role: Played in both defence and attack, where he made a difference with his intent and endeavour in the last quarter

Goldsack says: “I got through. I haven’t had anything like that for seven or eight weeks. I had a shot for goal late in the last quarter and laid a few tackles and worked my way into the game. My fitness was not too bad today.”