Geelong might hardly discover a degree above the group that romped to the premiership final season, however you possibly can write down that they are going to be no worse. One acquire was the typically commanding – and typically profligate – efficiency of Esava Ratugolea at full-back.

The steadiness of gamers both unavailable, underdone or injured on the night time labored in opposition to the Cats as soon as Tom Stewart went down within the first quarter and Sam de Koning was hobbled, too. In reality, the sport modified complexion when that pair limped off, then once more momentarily after Howe’s horrific accident.

Essentially the most emphatic reply the Magpies gave this night time was to query about how they’d fare with out Howe. Twice they trailed by greater than 20 factors, however roared dwelling like a king tide. It’s no small factor to say in regards to the Pies that it wasn’t even shut.

There was a subsidiary query about how Ollie Henry would settle in his first recreation for his new membership in opposition to his previous.

It was settled this manner: a purpose for Henry within the second quarter, which he celebrated by cocking his ears to the Magpie crowd, then, as he strolled into the purpose sq. minutes later for what he thought was a easy second purpose, a ferocious sort out from Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore. All of this was on the Collingwood finish, and now the group had its say.

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Different questions begged: for Geelong, is there may be life after Joel Selwood? It was staring them within the face pre-game when the legendary former skipper did a one-man (and a child) motorcade of honour.

The mark of an incredible chief is that his group doesn’t collapse when he’s gone, however continues to enhance. QED. Dangerfield’s type of management could also be completely different, however the foundations Selwood laid are sound.

Speaking of management, the Magpies’ blessing is that within the post-Pendlebury period, they nonetheless have Scott Pendlebury.

One other query for Collingwood: is there a approach with out all-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy? It’s extra nuanced and moot, since Grundy was not there for a lot of the Magpies’ fairytale trip final yr, however he was a well-liked participant on the membership and his departure would at all times be a check of the material.

The proof this night time says that they are going to be alright. Darcy Cameron his personal within the ruck, and Mason Cox asserted himself as he does from time, taking towering marks and kicking two objectives. After his second, he imitated Henry’s gesture; he’s nothing if not a showman.

And so to 1 last query: is the sport dropping its enchantment? Greater than 88,000 on Thursday night time and 86,595 this night time says no in capital letters. They’re the transformed, sure, however they’re massed nonetheless. If the footy is that this good for the remainder of the season, they’ll all be again, typically.