An eye-catching five-goal performance from Jamie Elliott has proved to be the highlight of Collingwood's AFL practice match draw against Hawthorn.
The Magpies made an encouraging start to life under new coach Craig McRae, dominating the first half of Friday's six-period match in Morwell.
Both teams decided to increase play from the normal four quarters, with fringe players replacing Collingwood's stars for the final three terms after the Magpies led by a whopping 66 points at the main break.
The relaxed nature of the game was exemplified by club staff, including Magpies assistant Scott Selwood, umpiring the last period.
The final score was Collingwood 22.9 (141) to Hawthorn's 19.27 (141).
Elliott set the hit-out alight, spending time in the midfield but also managing to slot his five goals in quick time.
The 29-year-old is one of Collingwood's most talented players but has been plagued by injuries during his career.
Collingwood rotated a number of players in the midfield, including former Western Bulldogs player Patrick Lipinski, and all proved too strong for the Hawks.
Exciting father-son selection Nick Daicos was mobbed by teammates after slotting his first goal for the Magpies during the third term.
Daicos showed glimpses of the talent that made Collingwood jump on him with the fourth selection in last year's draft.
Ruck-forward Mason Cox proved to be an imposing threat with three goals, wearing his subscription sunglasses in a game for the first time after he was given permission by the AFL to do so.
It was a promising start to 2022 for the Magpies, who finished in a record-low 17th on the ladder last year.
Their only concern was a head knock to Isaac Quaynor, who will be put in the AFL's 12-day concussion protocols.
Collingwood will face GWS at Giants Stadium on March 6 in their last hit-out before round one, while Hawthorn will play Richmond in Devonport in a tribute match for those affected by the tragic accident at Hillcrest Primary School last December.
