Austin suffered a break to his arm in landing awkwardly after attempting to mark in the opening quarter, while Casboult knocked knees with his opposing ruckman after contesting a bounce.
Austin’s loss forced Lachie Henderson into the defensive half late in the game, and the Bullants were able to maintain control, having posted a solid 39-point half-time lead.
Northern Bullants Senior Coach Darren Harris said the players were to be commended for their spirited showing against the Magpies, and for maintaining the momentum built through the emphatic 76-point opening round victory over Bendigo.
Kane Lucas found the footy 34 times off a half-back flank, while Wayde Twomey posted the healthy return of 4.1 for the match. The performances of hardened on-ballers David Ellard and Aaron Joseph also came in for acknowledgment.
“The key to both our performances at this stage has been our pressure,” Harris said. “That comes through real intent in helping eachother out, and getting the ball back.”
The Ants now confront Coburg at City Oval on Sunday.
Northern Bullants 6.6 9.10 12.15 14.16 (100)
Collingwood 2.1 4.1 7.6 11.7 (73)
Goalkickers. Northern Bullants: Twomey 4, Henderson, Saad 2, White, Marcon, Cachia, Austin, O’Keefe, Iaccobucci
Best players: Ellard, Joseph, McLean, Twomey, Marcon, Lucas
