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VFL REPORT - PIES RETURN IN STYLE
JAMES MOTTERSHEAD reports ...
COLLINGWOOD fans were treated to two wins in today’s VFL clash at Windy Hill with the side running out 26-point winners and a quartet of stars making successful returns from injury.
Alex Fasolo, three goals and 11 disposals, and Jamie Elliott, two goals and 10 disposals, looked at their dangerous best in the latter stages of the contest.
“I think it took them a little while to get used to be back playing again,” Collingwood’s VFL coach Jared Rivers said.
“They really came back and played their roles and impacted the contest.”
Elliott, who is out of contract at the end of the year, looked to be moving near his best which pleased Rivers.
“Jamie has pulled up really well and he’s really happy with his body at the minute and you could tell in the second half he certainly moved a lot better,” he said.
“Footy is a cruel game and Billy has faced a lot of that so just to see him back playing footy and to get through four quarters is a great feeling for us as coaches.”
James Aish hasn’t played a senior game since injuring his knee in Round 6 but his game, 23 disposals, 10 marks and four tackles, will have Pies fans excited.
“I woke up a little bit nervous, I had the pre-match nerves but felt confident I was going to get through,” Aish said.
“First half naturally I was probably getting a feel for it and getting movement back and getting used to the intensity and the second half I felt I got into the game a bit, took a few marks and felt more comfortable.”
Aish, 22, said he might spend another week at VFL level before putting his hand up for AFL selection.
Jarryd Blair finished with 13 disposals and nine tackles and Callum Brown 25 touches and 10 tackles to round out a great day for the Pies.
Aaron Francis was sublime for Essendon, finding himself playing a number of roles on his way to 22 disposals, eight marks and a goal.
Kobe Mutch, 25 touches, and Michael Hartley, 24 and 10 marks, also put their hand up for a senior recall next week.