If we’re at our best, we’ll win, says Will

COLLINGWOOD f orward Will Hoskin-Elliott is confident the Magpies can upset flag favourite Richmond in Friday night’s preliminary final, saying they don’t fear any opposition when playing their best.

Fresh from playing a key role in ending the season of his old side GWS, Hoskin-Elliott said the belief among the Magpies’ playing group was building and would hold them in good stead against the Tigers.

“It’s the best feeling. It’s unreal,” Hoskin-Elliott said after the 10-point win.

“The connection and the belief that the boys have this year is unbelievable. Everyone is into the program and the game plan, and just giving themselves 100 per cent of the effort all the time. It is what we believe in.

“The whole team thinks that if we are on next week, we can get it done.”

He spent the first 15 minutes after the final siren with his four-month-old son Flynn, saying family was such an important thing to him.

The 25-year-old, in his second season with the Pies after five seasons with the Giants, set himself for a big semi-final after a goalless month. He finished with two goals (including one in the last term), 10 marks and 19 disposals.

“I was pretty happy. I have been a bit quiet in the last couple of weeks, so to find the footy was really good,” he said.

Asked about his strength overhead, he said: “Bucks has just said if I think I can get to it [the ball], then go for it.”

His two majors have taken his season tally to 41 goals — equal highest for the Magpies along with Jordan De Goey.

“To come in this year and to have Jordy, and myself, and Brody Mihocek, who has come from nowhere, and Josh Thomas and Jaidyn Stephenson, has been unbelievable.”