Last season’s undefeated team in Collingwood took on this season’s undefeated team in Essendon so from the start the players and spectators knew it was going to be as high-quality match.
The two teams battled it out during the first quarter both scoring two goals. Neither side gave each other an inch, but it was Essendon holding a very narrow margin of two points at the first break.
The second quarter however, saw the Pies slowly take the pressure up a gear on the back of an outstanding quarter from Riley Fitzgerald, finishing the half a goal ahead.
The third quarter was very similar to the second, with a lot of pressure, strong contested marks and neither team being able to break away from one another, Essendon finishing three points ahead at the last change.
In the final quarter Essendon’s bookends Caleb Logan (forward) and Louis Rowe (defence) led the team to victory, as Logan had 8 goals for the game and Rowe was outstanding all game.
It sets up a mouth-watering clash when they meet later in the year.
Collingwood 2.2 6.5 7.8 10.8.68
Essendon 2.4 5.5 8.5 11.10.76
Goals: Collingwood - Fitzgerald 7, Stroud 2, Fitzpatrick
Essendon - Logan 8, Perito 3
