COLLINGWOOD has received bad news after losing to West Coast at Albany's Collingwood Park, with wiry forward Brad Dick carried from the ground clutching his left knee.
Dick's knee was twisted in a tackle and he appeared to be in significant pain when two trainers carried him up the race, and Collingwood expect scans on Sunday to confirm the club’s worst fears.
West Coast's Ash Hansen didn't appear after half time due to hamstring tightness and is expected to miss next Friday night's game in Alice Springs.
The NAB Challenge match, the first AFL game ever staged in the former whaling centre, was played in front of over 8000 people in a seriously strong wind, which made precise movement of the ball difficult. There were numerous skill errors from both teams, but a strong second half from West Coast took them to a 14.15 (99) to 9.12 (66) win after a four-point half-time deficit.
For Collingwood, Paul Medhurst (one goal) shone early in the midfield, as did Nick Maxwell in defence, while youngsters Chris Egan, Chris Dawes, Ben Reid and Sam Iles all looked good at various stages. Former Brisbane Lion Cameron Wood did well in the ruck, as did Chris Bryan. Dane Swan and Ben Johnson were also good.
West Coast veterans Michael Braun and Andrew Embley returned to competitive fray for the first time in 2008, but it was Braun who caught the eye on his return, with a stellar game after coming off the bench, while Embley improved as the game went on. Brett Jones was superb across half-back, Brent Staker (two goals) worked hard in his new position in the midfield, as did David Wirrpanda (three goals), while Dean Cox was his usual stellar self in the ruck and around the ground.
West Coast was missing skipper Darren Glass, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein, Adam Selwood, Adam Hunter, Matt Priddis, Quinten Lynch, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy, while Collingwood omitted Alan Didak, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Burns, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis, Brodie Holland, Josh Fraser, Heath Shaw and Shane Wakelin.
West Coast started with the wind, but sloppy disposal and poor kicking for goal meant just an 11-point lead with 2.7 on the board after goals to Chad Jones and David Wirrpanda, and one into the wind to Reid.
Johnson got the Magpies off to a good start with an early major in the second, and Anthony Rocca followed with another 10 minutes later, before Chad Fletcher slotted one for West Coast and Reid replied to give the Magpies a four point lead at the long break.
West Coast kicked it up a gear after half time, kicking six, and then continued that form into the last against the wind, although the Magpies kicked the last three goals.
