While Wood wasn't even thinking about his side's battle with the Lions – and was even unsure if he would be in the line-up – Magpie fans should be pleased with what they saw from their emerging big man in the 54-point win over Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
Speaking in the change rooms after Collingwood's comfortable win, Wood was a satisfied man.
Coming into the team to replace the injured Josh Fraser, the youngster had just completed the task of combating Blues ruck duo Matthew Kreuzer and Shaun Hampson.
> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media after the winIt's no easy feat, but it was a task in which Wood was prepared.
"Kreuzer, well he can run," Wood said.
"Last week I saw him kick a goal on his left (non-preferred side) with a little bloke chasing him. He's pretty mobile for a big bloke.
"And Hampson, I think is from a soccer background, so he's pretty agile too.
"I played against them in round eight and they probably got the better of me, so it was a matter of having a look at that game and seeing where I could improve."
Wood admitted to some pre-match nerves ahead of the round 17 clash, which was played in front of almost 85,000 fans. But his performance showed signs of a player progressing nicely.
> Watch the team sing the song after the winThe Magpie big man went it alone for much of the night in the ruck, collecting 14 disposals, eight marks and 18 hit-outs.
Neither Kreuzer nor Hampson touched the footy more than Wood. Crucially, neither hurt the Pies on the scoreboard.
The clearances were also going to be a key area against the Blues, who possess the likes of Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs.
Around the ground Wood helped the Pies emerge victors 33-32 and, importantly, win the centre clearances 11-9.
The ruckman, however, was most pleased with the four points.
"It's my first win over Carlton," he said.
"They're always pitted as big games. Eddie (president Eddie McGuire) gets fired up for them, so it's great to have a win over them.
> Watch Leon Davis speak to CTV in the rooms after the win"We had a bit at stake, with a spot in the top four [on the line], so that was the main emphasis, make sure we don't relinquish our hold on the top four."
Coach Mick Malthouse said he was pleased with his developing big man's performance but knew others might still be critical.
"He's a young man learning the trade and he will get better as he plays more football," Malthouse said.
