Collingwood kept its strong run of form going, defeating Werribee by three points at Avalon Airport Oval.
The Magpies raced out to an early lead and kept the Tigers at arm’s length for most of the match in ideal conditions.
The Pies had resisted the hosts’ fightback until the last few minutes of the last quarter, when two goals to Matthew Munro closed the gap to within a goal. The Pies defence came under siege in the closing minutes, but held on to claim the narrow win.
Rupert Wills relished the clearance-heavy nature of the contest in his first game back from a calf complaint, racking up 29 touches to lead all players.
John Noble continued his strong start to life as a Magpie with 28 coming off half-back. He was ably supported by the likes of Jack Madgen, Flynn Appleby and Mark Keane as the Pies defence did enough to hold out the late surge from Werribee.
Ben Crocker and Tim Broomhead each chipped in with goals as they look to break into the senior side for the first time in 2019.
VFL Round 14
Collingwood v Werribee
Saturday, July 6
Avalon Airport Oval, 2.00pm
Collingwood 4.2 7.4 10.6 12.8 (80)
Werribee 2.3 3.7 7.8 11.11 (77)
Goals – Collingwood: Gallucci 2, Broomhead 2, Crocker, Bosenavulagi, Lane, Hustwaite, Chippendale, Lynch, Smith
Werribee: Munro 3, Coughlan 2, MArklew 2, Augerinos, Gribble, Malual, Riccardi
Best – Collingwood: Hustwaite, Wills, Crocker, Noble, Brown, Wilson
Werribee: Brew, Munro, Declase, Malual, Gribble, Nielson
