Collingwood completes its JLT Series campaign with a fighting win over Carlton

Much has been made of Collingwood’s superstar midfield, but is it a different area of the ground that will prove the difference in 2019? In the club’s JLT win over Carlton, it was two fresh faces who stood tall.

Josh Thomas boots a goal for the Magpies. Picture: Michael Klein

Darcy Moore was overlooked for a spot in Collingwood’s finals series.

Whether it was the dodgy hamstring, his own up-and-down confidence or just the fact that he missed the bulk of last year, the September snub had to be a kick in the guts.

But entering the new season, the athletic key defender is flying.

Moore did a magnificent job shutting down Mitch McGovern and Charlie Curnow throughout the first three quarters in the four-point JLT Series win over Carlton on Sunday in Morwell.

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He’s never been a high-possession getter, but Moore was dominant in the air for the most part, and even showcased his beautiful foot skills with the kick-outs.

Moore attracted interest from Sydney but the Collingwood army will be thrilled he stayed based on what we’ve seen this summer. So long as he can stay on the park.

Since Christmas, the signs have been extremely encouraging.

Jordan Roughead was also solid at full back, meaning the pair are on track to take on Tom Hawkins in the Round 1 clash against Geelong at the MCG.

Collingwood was undersized in defence last year but that won’t be the case in 2019.

Darcy Moore has completed a brilliant pre-season campaign. Picture: Getty Images

BLUES ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK

They have been the butt of preseason jokes before, but there has been a step forward for Carlton this summer.

Sam Walsh could have won the game for the Blues on Sunday when the brilliant youngster’s 50m set shot seconds before the siren just dropped short.

President Mark LoGiudice gave Walsh’s parents the thumbs up in the crowd after the game, saying “There’s a lot to look forward to”.

They lost by four points, but the Blues showed a lot of fight and fitness coming back in the fourth-term after a first-up win over Essendon.

Liam Jones looked back to his best against Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

Carlton has been a pushover at times in the second halves in games in the past few years, but the sight of Patrick Cripps busting through the middle, Harry McKay reeling in some big grabs late, and Liam Jones rediscovering some of his best form down back was heartening.

Cripps also booted two goals, and will be a huge force in the midfield and in attack this year.

David Cuningham was lively in attack, Walsh looks like he has played 100 games already, and Kade Simpson played with absolute bravery as always, standing up in some big moments late.

Bolton knows there has to be progress this year, and even though Mitch McGovern and Charlie Curnow were down, there was a bit to like, late.

Charlie Curnow runs into an open goal against the Magpies. Picture: Michael Klein

INSIDE COLLINGWOOD’S ENGINE ROOM

We got a glimpse of how good Collingwood’s revamped midfield is.

Steele Sidebottom carved up the first term, Adam Treloar got off the chain after half time, Scott Pendlebury was excellent again and Dayne Beams showed how clever he is around the packs in the forward half.

And they’re still to get back Jordan de Goey and Taylor Adams.

The Pies won a flag with an outstanding engine room in 2010, but it’s possible this group is even better.

That midfield might was the difference when Collingwood clicked into gear in the third term and walloped Carlton on the outside, racking up about 100 more uncontested possessions for the game.

Nathan Buckley’s men had far too much class and experience moving the ball down field before they moved down the gears in the last term.

Adam Treloar was impressive against the Blues. Picture: Michael Klein

THIS KID HAS SOMETHING

Callum Brown has something special.

The sidestep, the swerve through traffic, and the classy finish.

At ground level, the 20-year-old just rarely fumbles.

The Magpies’ father-son gem had some brilliant moments on Sunday in Morwell, lacing out Tom Phillips and Josh Thomas in the forward half in the second term.

He should have kicked a nice running goal in the third term but he unselfishly gave off a handball to Brody Mihocek who missed from 25m.

As strong as Collingwood’s midfield is, Brown has done his best to stitch up Round 1 guernsey after 20 touches against Fremantle in the first JLT game.

He’s looked solid playing 13 games in his first two seasons, but Brown looks on track for a break-out season in 2019.

COLLINGWOOD 2.4 5.7 9.9 11.11 (77)

CARLTON 1.0 5.3 6.6 10.13 (73)

Goals: Collingwood: J Thomas 3 J Elliott2 A Treloar D Beams S Sidebottom T Goldsack T Phillips T Varcoe

Carlton: H McKay 3 D Cuningham 2 P Cripps 2 C Curnow L PlowmanW Setterfield

Umpires: Ray Chamberlain, Brendan Hosking, Hayden Gavine.

Official Crowd: 6,386 at Morwell Recreation Reserve

COLLINGWOOD BEST:

Treloar, Moore, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Crisp, Grundy, Brown, Thomas

CARLTON BEST:

Cripps, Jones, Simpson, Walsh, McKay, Petrevski-Seton, Cuningham