Mihocek fast becoming one of Collingwood’s best forwards

Brody Mihocek’s AFL career is on the rise, just like the Magpies.

Jay Lockhart of the Demons (second from left) reacts after kicking a goal during the Round 2 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Saturday, March 30, 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

IT was arguably Brody Mihocek’s finest game in the AFL.

The boy from Burnie played a pivotal role in beating Richmond in their Thursday night blockbuster at the MCG and in bringing down big game in the Tigers, brought up the Magpies’ first win of the season.

All the attention and expectation laid with Mihocek’s towering teammate Mason Cox but the Tasmanian eclipsed the big American with his productive hit-up and vice-like marking.

In the process he lowered the colours of Richmond’s premiership defender Nick Vlastuin in their enthralling head-to-head contest.

AFL Round 2. 28/03/2019. Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG. Collingwoods Brody Mihocek outmarks Richmonds Nick Vlastuin 1st quarter . Pic: Michael Klein.

Mihocek had 20 possessions, took 12 marks and kicked two goals, while Vlastuin touched it 15 times, took five marks and gave away four free kicks.

Tassie teammate Jeremy Howe had a tougher time in defence but walked away head high, a performance that included 19 possessions and 14 marks, mostly the result of Collingwood’s keepings off game across half-back.

In the ruck it was a titanic battle between Tassie Tiger Toby Nankervis and Magpie Brodie Grundy.

“Nank the Tank” was good for Richmond with 23 hit outs, four marks and 15 disposals, critically many of them across half-back, but Grundy eclipsed him (28 hit outs, 23 disposals and seven marks).

Mav Weller (16 disposals, four marks) found himself working overtime in defence and it was not Jack Riewoldt’s finest hour. After a potent performance in the opening round win over Carlton, Jack (11 disposals, two marks, and no score) wrecked his wrist (un-displaced fracture of his radius, and ruptured a ligament) and will spend at least four weeks watching form the sideline.

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Chayce Jones is loving life at Adelaide after a promising performance (12 possessions, two marks, three behinds) in the Crows’ won over Sydney at the SCG on Friday night.

Jimmy Webster (21 disposals) was trademark solid for St Kilda in the Saints’ upset win over Essendon, and big Bomber Tom Bellchambers (41 hit outs and a goal) was all but unbeatable in the ruck.

Big Blue Andrew Phillips (29 hit outs, 15 disposals) did his bit despite Carlton’s loss to Port Adelaide, and Jade Kolodjashnij (18 disposals, five marks) was rock-solid in Geelong’s win over Melbourne but his brother Kade (five touches) is still finding his way at the Demons.

Mitch Robinson (22, six marks) played a key role in Brisbane’s20-point win over North Melbourne, while Ben Brown kicked 3.2 for the Kangas and Aaron Hall (26, eight marks, one goal) had a big first half.

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