It was a massive Friday night clash at the Holden Centre that saw Collingwood play their first intra-club match of the year.

Team City (white guernsey) were led by Brodie Grundy coach Brenton Sanderson, while Team Country (black guernsey) had co-captains Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom with coach Hayden Skipworth.

Collingwood assistant coach Brenton Sanderson was pleased to see such a high intensity intra-club match in February.

“It was an awesome hit-out, the boys’ intensity was sensational for this time of year, sometimes at internal trials the boys can take the foot off the gas a little bit; but the intensity was through the roof tonight, obviously very happy to get through the game with no injuries, which is always important,” Sanderson said.

The inaugural clash between City v Country had the squad from the inner-city suburbs claim bragging rights by 7 points.

“I was good fun tonight. It’s the first time we’ve done it, we just thought a way to increase the rivalry a little bit internally by doing a City v Country game,” Sanderson said.

“Ultimately, it was a great opportunity for the boys to have a proper hit-out that meant something.”

The squad will now look towards playing a practice match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on 26 February.

See below for the full match summary: 

It was a high scoring first quarter with Country kicking six goals. 

New draftee, Oliver Henry starring with two goals including a beautiful front and centre snap. His ability compete for the ball both in the air and on the ground was particularly impressive. 

In his return to match simulation, Jeremy Howe looked comfortable as the anchor behind the ball for Country.

The dynamic Josh Daicos’ three goals were what kept City within reach going into the first break.

QT: City 3.2.20 to Country 6.1.37

VFL listed player Callan Wellings put his best foot forward, showing off his football smarts off half-back, while sneaking forward for two goals. 

Jordan De Goey was a class above, demonstrating his power around the stoppages and clean ball use, typified by a goal from outside 50. 

Captain Scott Pendlebury looked in great touch, exemplifying what he’s best at; dominating clearances.

Country’s Darcy Cameron fought valiantly in the ruck against City’s Brodie Grundy, successfully going forward and creating issues in the air for the City backline. 

HT: City 7.2.44 to Country 8.5.53

John Noble looks to be carrying his good form from 2020 into the new year. Contributing to City’s rebound off half-back, while hitting the scoreboard with a running goal from 50m. 

Brody Mihocek was a strong presence up forward for Country, forming a dynamic partnership with Jamie Elliott. Their connection demonstrated perfectly with a great centring kick from Mihocek to find Elliott on his own in front of goal.

The third quarter finished with a late City flourish, thanks to quick goals from VFL listed player Jacob Booth. Booth finished with three for the night. 

3QT: City 11.4.70 to Country 11.7.73

Future stars, Tyler Brown and Trent Bianco looked strong in the contest. Bianco’s speed complimented by Brown’s silk and poise helped City combat the experience and talent of the Sidebottom and Pendlebury midfield. 

Caleb Poulter’s left boot was busy off half-back. Country using his agility and athleticism to counter attack City’s forward half press. 

Mason Cox was back to his big-marking best, taking some spectacular grabs over the heads of the Country backline. His two goals in the final quarter helped City to their first lead of the game and the eventual victory 

Brodie Grundy hit the scoreboard late, kicking the match sealer for City. The dominant ruckman was seen to be one of the best afield for his side on the night.

FT: City 16.5.101 to Country 14.10.94

BEST:
City - Grundy, Daicos, Maynard, C Brown
Country - Tohill, Mihocek, Greenwood, Henry

GOALS:
City - 3 Daicos, 3 Booth, 2 Mccreery, 2 Cox, Hoskin-Elliott, De Goey, Kelly, Noble
Country - 3 Mihocek, 2 Henry, 2 Cameron, 2 Wellings, Rantall, Thomas, Elliott, Ginnivan, Lynch