Although Stengle gave the impression to be the participant in most hazard contesting a ball sat on his head, it was Howe who was extra severely damage.

The high-leaping backman fell with nearly all his weight touchdown on his left arm. Writhing in agony along with his legs shaking, Howe was clutching on the higher half of his left arm as he was being tended to by medical workers.

Howe’s teammates broke from their huddle to want their stricken teammate nicely earlier than the motorised stretcher drove him off the sector. Jeremy Cameron additionally confirmed his assist in a mark of respect.

“He’s such an necessary participant, he’s a vice-captain, all of us love him,” McRae mentioned of Howe.

“So while you see one of many guys go down, one of many actual good guys, that’s going to be a value someplace.”

Along with his excessive marking and athleticism, Howe is an important cog within the Magpies defence. He performed simply 12 video games in 2020-21 when the membership tumbled down the ladder however was instrumental of their shock rise final 12 months when he completed fourth within the Copeland Trophy vote rely.

Stengle bore the brunt of the influence on his shoulder and handed concussion protocols to play out the sport.

Stewart, one of many Cats’ most necessary gamers, damage his proper knee after touchdown awkwardly within the first quarter and was subbed out at quarter time. Although the extent of the injury is unknown, he’s unsure to face Carlton on Thursday night time.

“I’d be shocked if he performs subsequent week,” Cats coach Chris Scott mentioned. “Past that it’s laborious to say.”

The damage toll marred a high-scoring, nerve-jangling and at instances spiteful encounter during which the Pies completed all around the tiring Cats, slamming residence seven straight targets within the second half. It included two to tremendous sub Reef McInnes.

The Pies ran the reigning premiers ragged in a efficiency that signalled they are going to be a power once more in 2023.

Headlined by Nick and Josh Daicos, the Pies had the majority of the perfect gamers on the sector, whereas the Cats laboured within the second half as their 16-game profitable run got here to a screeching halt.

The Cats have been sluggish starters final 12 months so there shouldn’t be alarm bells after only one recreation, however the efficiency is a reminder simply how laborious will probably be for Scott’s males to defend their crown.

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Gradual chants of “Collingwood, Collingwood” broke out with minutes left because it grew to become obvious the Pies wouldn’t be subjecting their followers to a heart-stopping end.

De Koning despatched a scare via the Cats camp within the second time period when his proper knee appeared to buckle as he was jogging backwards with no participant round him. He limped off the sector instantly however was cleared to play out the sport, although appeared proppy late.

Adams appeared to harm his foot after making contact with Zach Guthrie as he tried a kick, however, like de Koning, he additionally returned to the sector.

Scott mentioned he expects de Koning and Stengle to play subsequent week and mentioned recruit Jack Bowes would even be out there.

“We’ll get just a few again, we’re fairly optimistic we will enhance fairly shortly,” Scott mentioned.

Defender Jake Kolodjashnij might be again in spherical three, Scott mentioned, however veteran Mitch Duncan faces an extended trip after a summer time interrupted by a calf damage.

“We’re within the Paddy Dangerfield headspace from final 12 months,” Scott mentioned, referring to the warning they confirmed over Dangerfield in the course of the 2022 residence and away season. “He might have performed tonight however we’ll maintain him again somewhat bit.”

HENRY’S HOSTILE RECEPTION

Each main present wants a pantomime villain, and for these of the black-and-white persuasion Ollie Henry match the invoice completely. Taking part in his first recreation in opposition to his outdated membership, Henry was given a scorching reception from his former teammates and followers.

Welcomed on the first bounce with the compulsory shove from Brayden Maynard, Henry was stunned by the Magpies enforcer in the course of the quarter-time melee.

The theatre went up one other degree within the second time period when he marked his first aim within the hoops by goading the Pies trustworthy as he was mobbed by teammates.

He went from hero to zero moments later when, showboating with a sure aim beckoning, he was run down by Darcy Moore within the aim sq. metres from the Collingwood cheer squad. He might even have handballed to Brad Shut.

The deal with was paying homage to Heath Shaw’s iconic play on Nick Riewoldt within the 2010 grand ultimate replay. Henry kicked two targets to go together with 14 possessions however his outdated membership laughed final.