The Sydney Swans have dominated an inexperienced Collingwood to easily win their AFL trial match 19.9 (123) to 10.7 (67) in Narrandera.
In an incident-free game, the free-running Swans kicked long and straight, racking up 19 goals in what was the first AFL match in the southern NSW town in seven years.
There was no doubting who the 10,000 plus strong crowd was there to see - Barry Hall.
But the Sydney big man was well marked throughout the match.
Hall's first mark came from a good lead 60 metres from goal and the crowd roared, but he failed to convert moments later when in front of the sticks.
He finished with two goals. Adam Goodes led the way for the Swans with four majors, while Luke Vogels and Nick Davis contributed three apiece.
Sydney coach Paul Roos was full of praise for the team's strong pre-season performance.
"Our forward pressure, guys running and tackling and chasing, putting pressure on the opposition ... they're more important than kicking 19 goals at the moment," Roos said.
He was also pleased with the players progress over the pre-season as the Club prepares for their grand final re-match against West Coast at Telstra Stadium in the season opener.
"We've sort of slowly built this year. I like the slow build-up, it's been a bit more enjoyable to watch even from a coaching point of view," he said.
"But our message to the guys is we really need to improve again next week, and if we can improve next week and get really good game time in then at least you know you are going in pretty well to round one. So next week is pretty critical."
The best for the Pies was the tenacious Paul Licuria, who copped a nasty head wound in the second quarter but returned to kick two goals.
Collingwood young gun Dale Thomas also looked to be playing himself back into form, trying hard all night but without luck.
However, coach Mick Malthouse took plenty of positives away from the loss, most notably the performance of youngster Ben Reid.
"He's the youngest player in the draft and I've always said you throw away the birth certificate, you don't worry about how young or old they are, he's put on six or seven kilos since he came to the club ... he's done nothing wrong to suggest he won't be in line for senior suggestion next week."
"Yes he will play (senior football) and I hope it's not because of injuries, I hope it's because he's forced his way into the side."
The Swans have two injury concerns from the game with Paul Bevan suffering a hamstring strain in the third quarter and Tim Schmidt coming off in the first half clutching at his wrist.
The match was part of the AFL's efforts to raise funds for those affected by drought and if the dust in the air was anything to go by, the funds are well needed.
The Swans will wrap-up their pre-season with a game against Port Adelaide at Telstra Stadium on Friday night. Entry is free.
