Smarter second half sealed win says Toovey
Collingwood's Alan Toovey credits the 46-point win against Richmond to better ball usage by his teammates in the second half.
CTV> Assistant coach Paul Hudson fronts the media after he oversaw Collingwood's win
Over 37,000 supporters witnessed a determined Collingwood side defeat Richmond by 46 points in week two of the NAB Cup.
Magpie defender Alan Toovey acknowledged the effort his team put forth in the second half that saw the Magpies kick eight goals and one supergoal to the Tigers' two majors.
“It was a strong performance by our team in the second half,” Toovey told CTV in the rooms after the game.
Collingwood struggled in the first half with Richmond’s rolling zone but the Magpies came out firing after the major break.
“We didn’t really move the ball well for the first half. We bombed it in a few times and kicked to no one when they had three or four guys sitting back.
“We had to use the ball a bit smarter.”
The 21-year-old played his first game since breaking his foot in round 19 against Sydney last year. He was listed in the side’s best after collecting 15 disposals and holding his multiple opponents goalless during the night.
“I had a pretty long preseason and (I) was slowly building up because of my foot. I played in a couple of the intra-club scratch matches and felt good.”
I played as a half-back for most of the night...on six or seven different opponents."
Toovey ran off his opponent early in the fourth quarter to kick a goal and effectively seal the win.
“I have played a few games against Richmond and it always seem to be the team that I go alright against. I don’t mind kicking a goal and sneaking up there.”
The Magpies will now play either Essendon or Brisbane next Friday night for a place in the preseason grand final.
“This is my fourth year at the club and this is the first year we have played past the first round.
“Normally we are out pretty early but it’s good that we have a few young guys and everyone is playing well and we just keep beating the strong teams we are up against. If we continue that way you never know what could happen.”