Collingwood's VFL side clinched a thrilling two-point victory against Gold Coast on Friday, led by mid-season recruit Noah Howes.
Howes, the 15th selection in this year's mid-season draft, booted five goals in emphatic fashion, four being kicked in an electric third quarter. His third, fourth, and fifth goals were kicked in a span of five minutes, which clawed the Pies back to level pegging, with a late Ash Johnson goal providing Collingwood a six-point lead at the final change.
The 19-year-old key forward has been developing strongly since donning the black and white stripes for the first time in Round 11. The former South Adelaide SANFL prospect kicked two goals last week against Carlton, with his season tally now at seven goals in five games.
Another standout performer for the Pies was Ed Allan, who returned to football this week after a bout with illness. The 21-year-old was scintillating with ball-in-hand, collecting 27 disposals at 74% efficiency, and led the Magpies out of the middle, finishing with a team-high eight clearances. The performance certainly places some pressure on Collingwood's selection panel to allow him a return to the AFL, with Allan having featured in 10 senior games already this season.
Gold Coast's prized 2024 draftee, Leo Lombard, has also made his case for an AFL return, potentially being a replacement for the injured Touk Miller, who suffered a hamstring injury on Friday night. The ninth pick of the 2024 National Draft impressed massively on Friday, winning a game-high 35 disposals at 80% efficiency as well as having seven tackles, five clearances and a goal.
Lombard has featured at the AFL level just twice this season and last played in the Round 13 loss to Geelong. His athleticism and high-level football instincts present him as a solid in for the Suns should they choose to name him on the side next week.
However, Suns senior coach Damien Hardwick said post-game on Friday that there are several "good players at VFL level who will be ready to put their hand up and go" to take on Miller's role as he recovers. Two others showcased their talent against Collingwood this week; Alex Sexton and Malcolm Rosas.
Sexton was influential all over the ground against the Pies, winning 23 disposals and kicking three goals. With Miller on the sidelines, the veteran midfielder could make a case to return instantly to the side after being dropped from his role as substitute this week.
Rosas also played a fantastic game in the midfield, winning a game-high nine clearances to go with four tackles and 25 disposals. He has featured in three AFL games this season, notably in both of the Suns' wins in Darwin. Since being omitted, he has been building a strong case for a return in the VFL, averaging 21.2 disposals and a goal per game in his last five matches.
With two clashes against top-four sides ahead for the Suns, who they pick to replace Miller will be crucial if they wish to solidify themselves as a premiership contender.
