Collingwood's shock 29-point win over Geelong was all about fun and enjoyment - not relief.
After a disappointing 1-4 start to the AFL season, the besieged Pies and coach Nathan Buckley were at the centre of a storm of criticism.
From the outside looking in, Sunday's 15.17 (107) to 11.12 (78) win would appear to release a pressure valve for Collingwood, but Tyson Goldsack says that's the wrong way to look at it.
"I don't want to say there's relief ... I'd rather say that it's exciting, fun and a happy feeling," Goldsack told AAP.
"If it's a relief when you win or it's a relief when you kick a goal it's a bit of a negative mindset to have.
"It should just be like 'Yes, that's us - that's who we are and what we're capable of'.
"We talk about people up in the stands looking down ... what sort of footy do they see? Well, that is our brand and we hope to play like that every week.
"Hopefully that's a turning point for us."
Buckley praised his players for their bold ball movement and brave decision-making against the unbeaten Cats, despite coming off a five-day break after their Anzac Day loss to Essendon.
But it was also a masterful coaching performance from someone who's position has been widely called into question.
"The amount of scrutiny that (Bucks) goes through is almost unbearable, but when he comes through the doors of the club he knows what has to be done," Goldsack said.
"He backs himself and what he believes in and what we've done over the pre-season.
"I can only imagine it would be frustrating for him knowing that we've been doing so much right ... we kick a few goals we should have and all of a sudden we're 3-3 or 4-2.
"He's been through a lot but this just reassures everyone that we're going in the right direction."
Collingwood improved to 12th spot on the ladder with the win ahead of a tantalising encounter with traditional rivals Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.
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