It was highly contested first quarter, with the Pies kicking the first major as forward Reef McInnes nailed a set shot inside the opening 30 seconds. Collingwood took a four point lead into the quarter time break.
It was all red and black in the second quarter, with Essendon kicking four goals to Collingwood’s one.
An even third quarter saw the Bombers lead by eleven points but the Pies took all the momentum into the final break thanks to two outstanding goals from midfielder Josh Carmichael.
Collingwood were too strong for Essendon in the fourth, who could only manage two goals in response to the Pies' five.
The key performers:
Josh Carmichael was prolific in attack, gathering 29 disposals to go with three goals and two behinds. He also generated a team-high six clearances and game-high seven inside 50s.
2023 recruit Tom Wilson showed his class, finishing with 30 disposals and five inside 50s.
Campbell Lane played a consistent four quarters, gathering 30 disposals.
Forward Reef McInnes generated five shots at goal, finishing with three goals and two behinds.
Sam Glover was another key performer for the Pies. Despite only having five disposals for the match, Glover kicked three goals and applied great pressure in the forward half.
More to come.
COLLINGWOOD 14.13 (97)
ESSENDON 13.11 (89)
GOALS
McInnes 3, Glover 3, Carmichael 3, Murley 2, Wilson, Voulanas, Harrison
