With Cooper Trembath making an impact after replacing the solid Jack Darling at half-time, the Roos had registered five consecutive goals to claim the lead when Cam Zurhaar kicked straight midway through the third quarter.

It appeared as though Collingwood’s inexperience was beginning to tell, with Brayden Maynard, who was captain for the day, and Isaac Quaynor defending as though four points were on the line.

Collingwood’s senior players led the charge with Josh Daicos classy, Beau McCreery was explosive at times and Jack Buller played as the instructions he came with to create a contest up forward. Lachie Schultz’s attack on the ball was vigorous and kept the Magpies competitive which was encouraging given the experience they have returning.

The moment

It was a moment in the second quarter North Melbourne defender Charlie Comben would want to forget. He made an error during a handball chain which had become increasingly frantic across halfback when he referred the pressure to Caleb Daniel which caused a turnover. Comben panicked and in his attempt to redeem himself he dived at a loose ball 20 metres out from goal and thumped it through the Magpies’ goal. The umpire had no choice but to award a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind and Collingwood converted. Comben is good aerially but needs to work on his poise when the ball hits the ground.

The eye-catcher

Blamires won a spot on the list last week and he took no time showing why. Wearing Jackson Archer’s No.34, he dominated the game late in the second quarter with his attack on the ball, poise kicking inside 50 and tackling pressure. Paul Curtis missed the goalscoring opportunity Blamires provided but the team responded to his efforts to kick the final three goals of the quarter.

Collingwood’s Charlie West played one AFL match last season before injury, but he is a smart forward who should gain more opportunities in 2026. Defender Wil Parker is in the same boat and has a future with a last quarter tackle on Paul Curtis match-winning. The Magpies will also be forced to play Joel Cochran in round zero with Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe injured. Cochran was solid and kicked a nice goal before being taken off at the final break to prepare him for next week.

Injuries

Collingwood were without Moore and Howe through injury and all Craig McRae would say pre-match was that Nick Daicos had run 10 kilometres on Sunday morning without outlining whether he was battling a niggle. They are not planning on Bobby Hill being available this season but the other players rested – Scott Pendlebury, Tim Membrey, Steele Sidebottom, Jamie Elliott, Jordan De Goey and Jack Crisp – should play.

North Melbourne’s Tristan Xerri did not worry about his own safety when he threw himself across a contest to spoil in the third quarter. He had a sore shoulder and ribs but it did not worry the tough ruckman who soldiered on.

The verdict

The eulogies were written for North Melbourne more than once in the first half but they responded to give their supporters hope they can get off to a good start against Port Adelaide in round one.

Finn O’Sullivan is ready to play in the midfield and was excellent in the third quarter revival. They are also building a bunch of young workers to complement the emerging stars, but they need their senior players to be better in crunch moments, particularly in defence. Lachy Dovaston, a small forward who was the Kangaroos’ first pick in last year’s national draft, has class and will play in round one after kicking three goals.

Collingwood exposed their youth which was interesting with most putting in reasonable rather than outstanding performances. Angus Anderson was missing after an excellent performance in the opening match simulation. Buller is a lock to play opening round and Oscar Steene is a chance to make his debut but the old firm will return under lights at the MCG against St Kilda.