Collingwood’s “mighty” Daicos duo combine to down Richmond at the MCG

Collingwood has won their first game since the bye with a 93-67 victory against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.

In a somewhat scrappy affair, the Pies built a four-goal lead midway through the second term and never relinquished it as the margin sat between 24 and 42 for the rest of the game before finishing at 26.

The Magpies’ win was thanks to the way they moved the ball inside 50, taking 20 marks inside the arc despite trailing the overall inside 50 count 51-52.

The standouts for the Pies were Nick Daicos - who equalled his career high with 42 disposals and 12 clearances, his brother Josh who had 32 touches at 81 per cent efficiency, Darcy Cameron who dominated in the ruck with Toby Nankervis out injured and Dan McStay who kicked three goals in his second game back from his ACL injury.

AFL Nation commentator David Schwarz hailed the games played by the Daicos’ and the way Collingwood’s forward line operated.

“The pleasing thing was their forward line was open,” Schwarz told AFL Nation.

“They moved the ball well, I thought Dan McStay showed some really good signs, they got to rest Scott Pendlebury ahead of his big day next week, they got some footy into Mason Cox and I thought Bobby Hill was really good today.

“Nick Daicos had 42 disposals … but he wasn’t as damaging as he has been, I think his brother might have had a better game.

“They’re a mighty duo, Collingwood are very lucky to have a family like that which produces that quality.

“The Daicos brothers and Darcy Moore are just gifts (as father-sons), if you went to get them in the trade period they’re probably three number one (picks), that’s how good they are.”

While the Pies got the job done, the performance wasn’t overly convincing given the Tigers sit 18th on the ladder and Richmond would have been thrilled with the performances of Nathan Broad (26 disposals, 15 marks), Nick Vlastuin (23 disposals, 12 marks) and Tom Brown (three goals).

AFL Nation’s Matthew Cocks described it as a performance where the Pies simply did what they had to do as they now sit equal with Hawthorn on 40 points and a percentage of 100.1.

“They sit 12th on the ladder now following that win and their percentage now is exactly the same as Hawthorn,” Cocks said.

“Collingwood remains in touch, but it wasn’t a performance that was convincing.

“They got what they needed to do done today and there was a response early based on the dismantling last week against Hawthorn.”

The Magpies next gear up for a huge game against the Blues next Saturday in Scott Pendlebury’s 400th, while the Tigers face the Kangaroos next Sunday at Marvel Stadium in a battle of 17th v 18th.