Seven final-term goals sealed an incredible comeback win in the Magpies’ season opener at the MCG.

Collingwood trailed the Kangaroos at every change, including by 25 points at three quarter-time, but somehow shrugged off three forgettable quarters to win 12.10 (82) to 10.19 (79).

Veteran Scott Burns won a free kick with about four minutes left, kicking truly to put the Pies in front for the first time.

Kangaroos stalwart Shannon Grant should have put his side in front minutes later when he was awarded a 50-metre penalty, but he thumped his shot into the post from just 15 metres.

At the final break Magpie fans could have been forgiven for thinking ahead to round two.

Three ordinary quarters had seen Collingwood players beaten consistently to the ball. Roos ruckman Hamish McIntosh was enjoying a field day in the ruck, with poor goalkicking by the Kangaroos the only real factor preventing a blowout.

There was little indication of what was to come.

Two goals early in the final term seemed to light a fire under the Magpies, and suddenly the entire team seemed to have fresh legs.

They played on, kicked long, and used the ball intelligently and more precisely.

Shane O’Bree lifted, with Burns and Dale Thomas also superb. Josh Fraser had by far his most influential quarter of the game, Tarkyn Lockyer won several important touches in the midfield, and Fremantle recruit Paul Medhurst began to look menacing up front on his Collingwood debut.

On the wing, Simon Prestigiacomo set up a goal with a wonderful passage of play, in which he kept the ball in bounds while simultaneously shepherding out Roos utility Leigh Brown.

It was emblematic of a magnificent team comeback.

The Kangaroos controlled the first half, but wasteful kicking meant they led by just 17 points at the main break.

Brent Harvey's third goal re-established the 17-point lead after the Pies had closed to within two goals.

Moments of early brilliance from Travis Cloke and Medhurst did the Magpie cause no harm.

Medhurst marked twice in range in the opening quarter, goaling at the 20-minute mark to keep the Pies in touch.

Young gun Cloke bagged a wondergoal early in the second term. A well-timed shepherd by Anthony Rocca on his opponent Drew Petrie allowed Cloke free run at the ball, and he threaded the sticks from 45 metres near the boundary.

But the Kangaroos had the best of the rest of the quarter and could have been further in front if not for some wastefulness in front of goals.

COLLINGWOOD 2.1 5.5 5.8 12.10 (82)

KANGAROOS 3.4 7.10 8.15 10.19 (79)

Goals:
Collingwood: P Medhurst 2 L Davis T Cloke S Pendlebury J Clement P Licuria T Lockyer D Thomas N Maxwell S Burns B Johnson.
Kangaroos: B Harvey 3 S Grant 2 C Jones 2 L Brown D Hale D Trotter.

Best:
Collingwood: J Clement H Shaw S Pendlebury T Lockyer R Shaw D Thomas S O'Bree P Medhurst.
Kangaroos: B Harvey A Simpson S Grant H McIntosh M Firrito L Thomas D Pratt.

Umpires: C Hendrie K Nicholls S Wenn.

Crowd: 44,760 at MCG

Injuries: Nil.

Reports: Nil.