Geelong v Collingwood: Zach Tuohy involved in spirited quarter-time clash at the MCG

It was billed as a Friday night blockbuster and it certainly produced fireworks as tempers flared between Geelong and Collingwood at the MCG.

A thrilling first quarter, which saw 11 goals shared between the two heavyweights, ended with handbags as players from both sides blew the siren.

Ireland’s Zach Tuohy, who scored two goals for his side on St. Patrick’s Day, was at the center of the fight as he entered into a shoving match with his opponent.

When he was led away from the confrontation, his jersey was completely torn and had to be replaced by the backroom staff.

More than 85,000 fans flocked to the MCG for a huge match between two sides that produced one of the best finals matches last season.

On that occasion, the Cats beat their rivals by six points to win the premiership after dominating Sydney in the Grand Final.

Craig McRae’s squad is back and hopes to take it one step further this campaign as the Cats find themselves under new leadership following the retirement of captain Joel Selwood. Patrick Dangerfield now leads the side.

Cool heads prevailed for the Pies, who secured a 125-103 victory over the Cats, though a sickening injury to guns defenseman Jeremy Howe threatened to dampen spirits.

The Magpies swamped Geelong with an eight-goal run from the end of the third term, kicking five to nil in the final quarter for a commanding win.

Jordan De Goey, one of Collingwood’s best, put an exclamation mark on victory with a booming shot from 50 yards for his third goal late in the final term.

It is Collingwood’s highest score since 2018, when they made it to the Grand Final.

“I was very confident that I would come here tonight. I drive in and think I’m very excited about what could be, knowing that we’ve done the job,” McRae said.

The Cats beat Collingwood by six points in last year’s epic qualifying final – one of the games of the season – en route to the premiership, and this was another classic.