TRAVIS Varcoe and Levi Greenwood's second comings as AFL players started in impressive fashion a Collingwood overcame a youthful Hawthorn side by 44 points in a feisty NAB Challenge opener on Thursday night.
While it was only the first step in a marathon season, the star recruits and stand-in captain Steele Sidebottom led a Pies midfield lacking some of the game's biggest names.
In recent seasons, it's been difficult to imagine Nathan Buckley's side without Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Brisbane Lion Dayne Beams running the engine room.
But cheered on by a vocal Magpie Army - despite the match being played at the Hawks' second home Aurora Stadium – ex-Cat Varcoe and former Roo Greenwood showed plenty in an encouraging 0.17.14 (116) to 2.8.6 (72) win.
The toughness of No.5 draft pick Jordan De Goey – who already looks a ready-made player – and a fit-looking Jesse White also gave the Pies plenty to get excited about.
De Goey was particularly influential early but contributed across the four quarters and kicked a long set shot goal, while White booted two goals and arguably had the better of Hawthorn's prized recruit James Frawley.
White endured a mixed season after crossing from the Sydney Swans last year, but he enjoyed being the focal point with Cloke out of the side.
The Hawks were severely lacking in experience, with stars Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis and Josh Gibson among five premiership players joining skipper Luke Hodge, Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne on the sidelines before the bounce.
Despite the defeat, Hawks fans would have been pleased to see returning Jed Anderson show he is keen to make up for lost time with a silky onball performance and a classy goal.
Sam Mitchell and fill-in captain Liam Shiels worked hard throughout, while James Sicily showed he is not far off making his senior debut.
Hawthorn's night started on a sour note when promising defender Kaiden Brand was helped from the field cradling his left shoulder after a marking contest and the 20-year-old played no further part in the match.
HAWTHORN 0.3.1 1.5.3 2.6.5 2.8.6 (72)
COLLINGWOOD 0.5.3 0.7.6 0.10.10 0.17.14 (116)
SUPERGOALS
Hawthorn: Sicily, Mitchell
Collingwood: Nil
GOALS
Hawthorn: McEvoy 3, Breust 2, Gunston 2, Anderson,
Collingwood: Fasolo 4, Karnezis 3, White 2, Gault 2, Goldsack, Sidebottom, Grundy, Greenwood, Elliott, De Goey
BEST
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Anderson, Langford, Shiels, Gunston
Collingwood: Varcoe, Sidebottom, Greenwood White, Goldsack, Elliott, Grundy,
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Kaiden Brand (left shoulder)
Collingwood: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Nil
Collingwood: TBC
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, TBC
Official crowd: TBC at Aurora Stadium
