Collingwood completed a spirited comeback to claim a 23-point victory over Essendon at the MCG on ANZAC Day.
The Magpies overcame a rough start in front of 91,731 fans to overturn a 37-point deficit and run out 12.11 (83) to 8.12 (60) winners in the 20th ANZAC Day clash between the two clubs.
Predictably, the Collingwood midfield did the majority of damage- Dane Swan (26 possessions, 4 goals), Steele Sidebottom (26, 3), Dayne Beams (32, 9 nine tackles) and Scott Pendlebury (30, 7 tackles) were each instrumental in the comeback.
The Bombers managed to kick the first six goals of the game courtesy of some blistering early defensive pressure and a 14-possession, one-goal quarter from Brent Stanton, however a total collapse and wayward fourth quarter kicking (2.5) saw Mark Thompson’s side fall to a third consecutive loss.
Jake Melksham kicked a quick goal to open the second and extend the Essendon lead to 37, but led by a 11-possession quarter from Pendles and all three of Sidebottom’s goal, Collingwood kicked six unanswered to remarkably level it out at the half.
It wasn’t all peachy for the Pies- Collingwood defender Alex Fasolo’s revitalised AFL career appears to be hold after the forward-turned-defender suffered a foot injury. He was subbed from the game in the third term and could be seen on the bench wearing a moon boot on his right foot.
Collingwood will look to make it four straight when they face Carlton at the MCG next Friday night while Essendon will look to get their season back on track against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
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Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
