Mick Malthouse celebrated his 200th game as Collingwood coach by guiding the highly disciplined Magpies to a 29-point upset win over Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

The Swans simply could not cope with Collingwood's tough defensive pressure, succumbing 11.13 (79) to 6.14 (50).

Collingwood's fifth successive victory over the Swans lifts them two places to fifth on the ladder on 32 premiership points, trailing the fourth-placed Sydney by six points.

It was Sydney's first defeat in their past seven matches this season.

Livewire forward Dale Thomas kicked three goals, including two after spectacular high marks in the first and second quarters in front of a crowd of 59,202.

Centre half-forward Travis Cloke also kicked three goals for the Magpies.

Thomas and Cloke combined for all five of Collingwood's first-half goals as the `Pies took a 26-point lead at the main break, holding Sydney to 1.5 (11) to Collingwood's 5.7 (37) in the first half.

The match opened with Collingwood playing an aggressive defensive style, crowding Sydney's star-studded forward line led by Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin, who were well held by Shane Wakelin and Harry O'Brien in his 50th game.

Hall was dragged from the ground early in the second quarter after conceding his fifth free kick of the half.

Hall soon returned but was involved in a fiery clash behind play with Wakelin, with Hall's swinging elbow appearing to just miss Wakelin's jaw.

Collingwood stretched their lead to 41 points at three-quarter time but Sydney staged a late rally with goals to Hall, O'Loughlin and Henry Playfair in the last quarter.

However a second free kick at fullback against Leo Barry for incorrect disposal handed Cameron Wood an easy goal and Collingwood fans started celebrating, with Alan Didak revving up the crowd after a neat goal on the run on his non-preferred right foot.

Collingwood's win came without injured big men Josh Fraser and Anthony Rocca while the Swans were missing dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes, who was serving a one-match suspension after 204 consecutive matches.

Co-captain Brett Kirk (29 possessions) was a key contributor for the Swans in midfield in a typically determined display and Barry was also among the home side's better players.

But Sydney could not cope with Collingwood's pressure and numbers at the contest, with Dane Swan (30 touches) and Didak (28) influential.

Malthouse, 54, became the fourth person to coach the Magpies in 200 games, alongside Jock McHale (714), Phonse Kyne (272) and Leigh Matthews (224).

The dual West Coast premiership coach also became only the third man in history to coach 200 games for two clubs, joining Allan Jeans (St Kilda and Hawthorn) and Leigh Matthews (Collingwood and Brisbane).

Collingwood host Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday in round 15 while Sydney also play at the MCG next Sunday against Hawthorn.

Meanwhile, Malthouse said the ANZ Stadium surface was "shifting on the flanks" which didn't lend itself to a high-scoring contest.

"Both sides play a similar game in many respects," Malthouse said.

"We were poor today and let me say Sydney were poor today too. If this was a constant throughout the year (kicking 1.5 in the first quarter) we'd have an issue. I've got no issue with it."

Malthouse said his players rated the Swans highly for their team discipline and had enormous respect for 2005 premiership-winning coach Paul Roos.

"We try to take the best out of Sydney and utilise it," Malthouse said.

Swans coach Roos said Sydney's forward-line simply "wasn't functioning", especially Hall, who served a seven-week ban earlier this year for striking and gave away five free kicks.

Wakelin was coy on the incident with Hall, saying it didn't strike his chin but refusing to confirm if he felt a blow to another part of his body.

"I'd be lying if I said no it doesn't (surprise him to see Hall still showing signs of frustration)," Roos said.

"I think the first couple of weeks back he was able to have a couple of younger opponents, particularly against Melbourne, he was able to use his body pretty well.

"Hopefully it's just a technique thing and he can address that next week."

Roos said Sydney's defence held up well against Collingwood.

"But our forward-line wasn't functioning. We just weren't able to kick a winning score," he added.

While Roos declined to comment on the condition of the ground, and Malthouse said it wasn't an issue, television commentator Robert Walls described it as "disgraceful" on the Ten Network.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP