Crucial missed opportunities have ultimately cost St Kilda a chance to begin its season with a 1-0 ledger, with the Saints slipping to Craig McRae's rejuvenated Collingwood outfit by 17 points at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
The Saints hit the front early in the fourth quarter courtesy of a Jade Gresham major – the first time since Mason Wood jagged the opening goal of the game – but stumbled late as skill errors at the death, coupled with the Magpies' effectiveness at centre clearances, culminated in a 12.13 (85) to 15.12 (102) result at Marvel Stadium.
But after dazzling displays from a Collingwood debutant with a famous surname, a new recruit and a handful of experienced stars, it was the performance of Jordan De Goey that will generate the headlines again. This time for the right reasons after Collingwood led St Kilda for almost the entire encounter before winning by 17 points at Marvel Stadium.
Collingwood controlled most of the first half and could have led by more at the main break, but quickly put the foot down at the start of the third quarter, kicking three goals in three minutes to carve the contest open. De Goey and Steele Sidebottom kicked two classy goals after Josh Daicos lit the fire.
But just when the Magpies looked like putting the game to bed when they led by 35 points, St Kilda debutant Jack Hayes almost singlehandedly pulled Brett Ratten's men back into the contest.
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Six months after leading Woodville West-Torrens to back-to-back premierships by winning the Jack Oatey Medal, Hayes produced a performance that will leave recruiters wondering why it took so long for the 25-year-old to get an opportunity at this level.
Hayes dominated the third quarter to finish with three goals in a bruising performance that the Saints will have to find a spot for him if All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder returns to fitness for next weekend's trip to Perth to face Fremantle.
But after reeling in a 35-point deficit to hit the lead early in the fourth quarter, Brody Mihocek kicked his third goal to help Collingwood regain its composure before Jack Ginnivan and Oliver Henry added two more moments later to suck the air out of the Saints. The Magpies found a way to bank the four premiership points from there.
Collingwood supporters had been waiting years to see Nick Daicos wearing the famous black and white stripes for the first time. Not many players have ever generated as much hype as the son of Collingwood great Peter Daicos. And against the same side his father made his debut against in 1979, Daicos didn't disappoint, backing up his strong practice match form with a performance that illustrated why he is a favourite for the NAB AFL Rising Star alongside No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis.
The 18-year-old amassed nine disposals in the opening quarter, received a standing ovation when he took a mark in the back pocket in the second term, before finishing with 27 disposals and 416 metres gained in a memorable debut.
Welcome back, Gresham
It took Jade Gresham a little bit of time to get going at Marvel Stadium. But in his first game back since rupturing his Achilles tendon in round three last season, the livewire reminded the game of his quality in the second half. Gresham finished with two goals from 24 touches to be one of St Kilda's prime movers. Brett Ratten will need him to keep elevating his game this year if the Saints are going to return to September.
ST KILDA 3.2 5.6 9.12 12.13 (85)
COLLINGWOOD 4.5 7.9 10.11 15.12 (102)
GOALS
St Kilda: Hayes 3, Membrey 3, Gresham 2, Kent, King, Sinclair, Wood
Collingwood: Mihocek 3, Ginnivan 2, De Goey 2, Sidebottom 2, Henry 2, J.Daicos, Elliott, Lipinski, McCreery
BEST
St Kilda: Sinclair, Hayes, Steele, Marshall, Gresham Crouch
Collingwood: De Goey, Lipinski, Howe, N. Daicos, T. Adams, Mihocek, J. Daicos
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Collingwood: Cox (ribs)
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (unused)
Collingwood: Tom Wilson (unused)
