Collingwood's stars have warmed up for the start of their AFL premiership defence with a clinical 30-point win against an inaccurate Richmond beginning life under new coach Adem Yze.
After a sluggish first quarter, the Magpies then powered into action, overwhelming the young Tigers to win their AFL community series match, 10.16 (76) to 5.16 (46).
In a bizarre conclusion to a pre-season match, Collingwood big man Mason Cox tussled with Richmond utility Marlion Pickett seconds before the siren sounded.
Other players became involved in the scuffle, allowing Billy Frampton to bomb his kick from 65m out through as no players were protecting the goal-line.
In the first AFL Charity Shield match for Foodbank, premiership heroes Jordan De Goey, Nick Daicos and Josh Daicos showed no signs of off-season rust
The only minor concern for Collingwood surrounds ruckman Darcy Cameron, who made late contact with Richmond youngster Tylar Young in the third term.
Although a 50m penalty was paid against Cameron and the incident will likely be scrutinised by the match review officer, the Magpies big man is unlikely to be suspended as the contact was minor.
The Daicos brothers and De Goey predictably impressed, but the performance of Patrick Lipinski (23 possessions, two goals) would have impressed the Magpies just as much.
After starting as the sub in last year's grand final, Lipinski has not missed a beat during the pre-season and he once again shapes as a key cog of Collingwood's midfield.
The former Western Bulldog underwent a shoulder reconstruction after the 2022 season and failed to recapture his best last year, only just hanging onto his spot for the Magpies' grand-final win against the Brisbane Lions.
Fremantle recruit Lachie Schultz was lively in his first game for the Magpies, soccering a goal through the third quarter.
For Richmond, their chaotic game style gave them enough chances but their forward connection was poor.
Noah Balta, who has moved from defence, and Hawthorn recruit Jacob Koschitzke had limited impact as key forwards.
Tom Lynch will make the Tigers significantly better when the star forward returns, likely for Richmond's second match of the season against Carlton.
"(Collingwood are) a good side and they showed the reasons why," Yze said.
"We got guys through the game that we needed to get some game time in and some young boys showed some really nice signs."
Midfielder Jack Graham will be sweating on scan results after he came from the field with pain in his quad in the dying moments.
The Tigers travel to the Gold Coast for their opening-round game on March 9, their former coach Damien Hardwick's first match in charge of the Suns.
Collingwood also head north on March 9 for a preliminary-final rematch against GWS at Giants Stadium.
