AFL 2024 round nine LIVE updates: Magpies soar over Eagles, McGovern sent to hospital, Howe out with groin injury

Veteran Eagles Jeremy McGovern is done for the day with internal injuries. It’s being reported on Fox he is on his way to the hospital after falling heavily on his ribs in a contest.

The pace has slowed a little after a frenetic first half, but Collingwood have put this game to bed, with a third goal to Reef McInnes — another player who’s been on the fringe of the best 23 for some time without being able to claim a starting place in the lineup.

Nick Daicos is playing another of his genius-level games. Partly it’s just work-rate — his ability to keep running from contest, from defence to attack. But it’s also his incredibly quick thinking, especially in traffic.

Well, the second half has started the way the first ended, with Collingwood all over West Coast.

Reef McInnes kicked his second goal of the game to put the Magpies up by 61.

Fair to say, it’s not a great day out for the Eagles.

West Coast’s defence has been heavily put under the pump this game.

Collingwood had 36 inside 50s in the first half – compared to the Eagles 13 – which they managed to get 11 goals from. I mean, you’re bound the get a few majors with all that ball in the forward half.

But in a shining moment that I’m sure Eagles fans will hold on to, here’s the vision for a potential mark of the year contender from Harley Reid:

Another great game for a newcomer is Collingwood’s Joe Richards, a mature-age recruit, who has kicked one goal, two behinds, and had two crucial assists.

The Pies plucked him out of country footy, taking hi at pick No.48 from the Wangaratta Magpies.

This is an extraordinary debut so far by Collingwood’s Joe Richards. He’s just dealt his THIRD direct assist to Fin Macrae — a gift to Macrae, who’s struggled so long to earn a full game. But it’s Richards’ calm demeanour, clean hands and clever ball use that has really stood out – Andrew Stafford

He’s up to 12 disposals, four tackles and five score involvements, as Collingwood run away with this game.

The Magpies are now up by 41-points, the last goal through Bobby Hill.

Tyrell Dewar’s mum and dad had to wipe away a few tears after their son kicked a stunning goal on the run in his debut game.

The 20-year-old 2023 Category B rookie from Kalgoorlie came through the Naitanui Academy program and has been in impressive form in the WAFL, with at least one goal in his last five appearances.

Now, he’s on the goalscoring board in the AFL.

This from our reporter Andrew Stafford:

That could spark the Eagles, who are very much still in the game as Collingwood try to reset.

Finlay Macrae just strolled in for his second goal — once again, via an assist via Joe Richards.

But Pies fans will be just as pleased to see Macrae making an impact. He was heavily hyped in the pre-season as being ready to take the next step in his career, but has failed to take his opportunities to date.

Collingwood have a real injury crisis on their hands now though, with Harrison and Howe both ruled out. They’ll get Lachie Schultz back from suspension next week, and probably Beau McCreery (concussion). They’ll need them badly.

The casualty ward this weekend goes from bad to worse with Jack Petruccelle off for the Eagles with an ankle injury.

Harvey Johnston has come on as the sub for West Coast, who have gotten their second goal of the game through Jack Williams.

However, Finlay Macrae answered it for the Magpies.

Collingwood by 22.

That’s not a good sight for Magpies fans.

Veteran defender Jeremy Howe, who was thrown forward to help with the injury-toll up there, has been subbed off with a groin injury.

He is sitting on the bench with ice.

Former Saint Jack Bytel, a top-up supplemental selection, is on for his debut in black and white.