Mason Cox channelled the same energy as that famous preliminary final display in 2018 as the Magpies solidified their position at the top of the ladder.
AFL: Eddie McGuire has called on the AFL to implement a taunting rule after Collingwood star Nick Daicos was targeted by the Swans in Round 8.
Collingwood fans had to check the date on their phones to make sure it was in fact May 2023, and not September 2018, as Cox channelled the same energy that saw him singlehandedly dismantle Richmond five years ago in a preliminary final.
And while Cox wasn’t as devastating as he was on that famous night, he was the most influential man on the ground against the Giants, and set up the Pies’ 18.12 (120) to 7.13 (55) win with a dominant first half.
The big American finished with 19 disposals, nine marks (four contested) 25 hitouts and two goals — one of which was a long-range converted set shot from 50m out early in the second quarter. That goal was part of a run of five consecutive majors which saw the Pies shoot out to a 38-point lead and effectively ended the contest early.
Mason Cox was the star of the show. Picture: Michael Klein
Magpies players sing the team song with their mothers. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Cox was well supported by Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell who were also instrumental when the game was up for grabs. De Goey had 31 touches (12 contested), seven clearances and a goal, while Mitchell racked up 36 disposals (12 contested).
Nick Daicos (41) had his usual glut of disposals, the bulk of which were amassed after the match was decided, while Nathan Murphy produced another superb display in defence.
Collingwood got off to a flying start, kicking four of the first five goals, including a pair to Bobby Hill, on the back of exquisite forward efficiency.
The first 16 inside 50s were split 8-8, but the Pies found themselves 16 points up as they looked far more dangerous when entering their attacking zone.
Collingwood’s slick ball movement tore the Giants to shreds and the Pies’ lead quickly exploded beyond six goals.
GWS responded with four of the next five scoring shots, but could only manage 1.3 as Collingwood’s polish and skill continued to trump the Giants’ admirable effort levels.
But the Magpies went almost half an hour of playing time without a goal as GWS put the brakes on their dangerous transition game. However, during that lengthy drought for the Pies, the Giants could only manage to trim deficit to 27 points.
The third quarter went goal-for-goal for the most part, as Collingwood kept the visitors at bay before kicking seven of the last eight majors to ensure their biggest win over GWS since their first ever meeting in 2012 (120 points).
Jordan De Goey celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
GINNIVAN SOCCERS IT HOME
The highlight of Collingwood’s big win came early in the final quarter when Jack Ginnivan pounced on a loose ball 45m out from goal and soccered it forward. And whether he meant it or not, the ball kept bouncing towards a vacant goal square and ultimately his second goal. Only Ginnivan will know if it was intentional, but regardless, it certainly was spectacular and sent the Pies fans into raptures. Afterwards, he turned to the crowd and signalled a love heart with his hands, presumably in honour of his mum on Mother’s Day.
EARLY BOBBY BLITZ
Playing his first game against old club GWS, and in his 50th AFL game, Collingwood goalsneak Bobby Hill wanted to get off to a good start, and he did just that by kicking the first goal in sensational fashion. Under pressure from Giants defender Nick Haynes, and hemmed in on the boundary line in the forward pocket, Hill opted for the curling dribbler from the impossible angle, and managed to split the big sticks. Thirteen minutes later, he doubled his goal tally with an impressive snap set shot from the same pocket.
HUNGRY PIES
Collingwood’s pressure was a huge feature of their big win. They battered the Giants in the first half to convincingly lead the tackle count 34-13 before comfortably winning the stat 63-29. Ash Johnson, Hill and Taylor Adams set the tone for the Pies with six tackles apiece
SCOREBOARD
MAGPIES 5.1, 9.4, 13.8, 18.12 (120)
GIANTS 2.4, 3.8, 6.9, 7.13 (55)
LERNER’S BEST
Magpies: Cox, De Goey, Mitchell, N.Daicos, Murphy, Sidebottom, J.Daicos.
Giants: Kelly, Ash, Coniglio, Callaghan, Green, Hogan, Haynes.
GOALS
Magpies: Elliott 3, Hill 2, Mihocek 2, Ginnivan 2, Cox 2, McCreery 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Johnson, De Goey, J.Daicos.
Giants: Hogan 3, Callaghan, O’Halloran, Ash, Kelly.
UMPIRES Haussen, Nicholls, Chamberlain, Young
VENUE MCG
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
LERNER’S VOTES
3 Mason Cox (Coll)
2 Jordan De Goey (Coll)
1 Tom Mitchell (Coll)