Jack Darling,Josh Kennedy and youngster Oscar Allen proved a compelling strike force for the Eagles while midfielder Dom Sheed,with three goals in three minutes during a dominant third quarter,ensured the Eagles would take the four points.
Whoever is in charge of the Magpies is always under pressure,and even though less than a quarter of the season has elapsed Buckley is already in the firing line. This fourth loss in five games is unlikely to quell the criticism,even though there were mitigating circumstances.
Injuries to key defender Jeremy Howe- who damaged a hamstring in the second quarter - and to midfielder Jordan De Goey with what has been described as a facial injury early in the match ensured that Collingwood’s resources were stretched to the limit.
Buckley had rung the changes with his line up and opted to shift defender Darcy Moore into the forward line. He eventually kicked three goals.
It was a gamble given the strength of the Eagles’ attack but it looked,for a quarter and a half,as though it might pay off as the Pies sought to impose themselves on their hosts.
They were were intense and committed in the opening period when Moore managed to get on the scoresheet while another big man,Brodie Grundy,also goaled twice to put the Pies 15 points in front at the first change.