Collingwood has prevailed in a thrilling contest with traditional rivals Carlton at Ikon Park, winning by one point on Sunday.
The game was back and forth all day with many lead changes occurring, with a Ned Long point in the dying stages giving the Pies the ultimate lead.
A three-goal opening term was headlined by a brilliant left foot snap from Ned Long as the first of the match, as well as Ben Crocker kicking a goal in his return game.
A scrappy second quarter ensued, with only a Joe Richards goal bolstering the Pies’ tally, as they went into half time trailing by five points.
Five goals to four in the third term – two of which came from the returning Ben Crocker set up a thrilling fourth quarter, with the margin just one point at three-quarter time.
The Pies started the final quarter well with three unanswered goals, before the Blues came back as it went down to the wire.
Sparkes stars early
Playing in just his third game at VFL level for the Pies, midfielder Ryan Sparkes set the tone early for his side. Laying some brutal tackles all around the ground, the number 51 was rewarded with a free kick that turned into a fifty-metre penalty late in the opening quarter, giving him his second goal of the season. Sparkes finished with 12 disposals and a goal.
Macrae and Long dominate in the midfield
Playing their first game together for the season, midfield duo Finlay Macrae and Ned Long were crucial through the centre of the ground and at the contest on Sunday. Macrae, having not played at VFL level so far this season, finished with 29 disposals and a whopping 10 tackles, while Long recorded a third-straight game with 20 or more disposals. Fellow midfielder Ed Allan was also important with 23 touches of his own.
Macdonald impresses on debut
First-gamer Cooper Macdonald didn’t look out of place at all on his Club debut, impressing in defence. The mulleted-Macdonald played one VFL game for the Casey Demons – ironically against Collingwood – and crossed over during the summer to bolster the team’s intercept stocks. That was on display early with two brilliant marks flying across the front of the pack as he stamped his mark on the match.
Crocker returns with a bang
Having left the Club in 2019, Collingwood fans might have thought they would never see Ben Crocker pull on the black and white stripes again. However, the now 27-year-old’s return today at Ikon Park has give the team’s forward line an even more damaging look, with Crocker kicking X goals on Sunday. The forward’s smarts were on display as he often used his body well to take marks close to goal, with his 87th VFL game a strong one.
Markov dashes in defence
Premiership defender Oleg Markov was brilliant in defence for his side on Sunday, providing his typical dash and dare off the half back line. Recording 19 disposals and six marks, Markov balanced his attacking style with strong leadership in a defensive fifty unit that held its own all day and repelled a late charge from the Blues.
The Pies will take on Coburg next Sunday in Round Four.
