FOURTH-GAMER Jaidyn Stephenson has booted five goals to lead Collingwood to a famous 48-point victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Trailing by 52 points in the third quarter, the Crows threatened to stage another epic comeback reminiscent of last year's thrilling draw with the Magpies, but after conceding four straight goals, Collingwood (2-2) recovered to claim a major scalp on the road and their first win in five attempts at the ground.
The crowd of 45,495 who braved the wet conditions were left stunned as the Crows lost to the Magpies for the first time since 2013, going down 16.10 (106) to 9.4 (58).
ALL DETAILS AND STATS: Full Crows v Pies match coverage
To make matters worse for the Crows, All Australian small forward Eddie Betts injured his left hamstring and didn't finish the game.
Stephenson – last year's No.6 overall draft pick – hadn't kicked a goal in his first three games but was dominant in attack, finishing with a bag of five.
Steele Sidebottom racked up a career high disposal count (43 possessions, including 26 contested) and continued his rich vein of form, finding plenty of ball while also keeping Crows star Rory Sloane quiet at stoppages.
Adam Treloar (36), Scott Pendlebury (30) and Tom Phillips (31) were busy through the midfield, Brodie Grundy (33, 23 contested, 40 hitouts) got the better of Sam Jacobs in the ruck, Sam Murray provided run and carry off half-back and Lynden Dunn shut down Crows skipper Taylor Walker.
WATCH: Brodie Grundy did it all, including this goal
“It was a significant performance for us," Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said.
"Getting some belief about the way you play is an important part of taking the next step.
“I thought it was a pretty strong four-quarter performance."
Defender Rory Laird (37 disposals), Bryce Gibbs (27), Paul Seedsman (29) and Hugh Greenwood (16 contested) worked hard for the Crows.
TALKING POINTS: Stephenson flood ends Pies' Adelaide Oval drought
The Magpies hammered the Crows at the contest, dominating contested possessions 198-165.
"A really disappointing night for us overall," Crows coach Don Pyke lamented.
"The reality is we only had one change from two weeks ago when we played against Richmond and played really well.
"Clearly it wasn't at the level, and credit to Collingwood, they were too good."
Rain bucketed down about an hour before the first bounce, with the Magpies adapting better to the surface.
They kicked long down the line and worked hard when the ball was up for grabs, while the Crows turned the ball over with risky kicks into the corridor.
Big American Mason Cox defied traditional thinking about wet weather footy to impact the game early – tapping the ball cleverly over the top and then displaying a beautiful kick, both leading to Stephenson goals.
WATCH: Jaidyn Stephenson kicks his first goal in the AFL
Grundy's long-range effort continued the Magpies' momentum as they held a 33-point lead at the main break – 8.5 (53) to 3.2 (20).
WATCH: Grundy's giant performance on the big stage
Goals to Will Hoskin-Elliott, Ben Crocker and Stephenson's fourth – a 55m bomb - stretched the margin to 52 points early in the third term.
As the game seemed out of reach, the Crows kicked four straight goals to bring the crowd to life.
James Aish kicked the steadier for the Pies before Jordan De Goey capped his first game back from a club-imposed suspension with a goal.
WATCH: Jordan De Goey's welcomed back into the fold
Murray might have a case to answer for a head clash with Crows forward Mitch McGovern.
MEDICAL ROOM
Adelaide: All Australian forward Eddie Betts had his left hamstring iced up in the last quarter and is in doubt for next Friday night's clash with Sydney. Forward Mitch McGovern left the ground in the third quarter after colliding with Collingwood defender Sam Murray. McGovern jogged off the ground in the hands of Crows' trainers after the head knock, but returned to play. David Mackay was assessed for a head knock late in the game.
Collingwood: The Magpies had a clean bill of health to complete a perfect night.
NEXT UP
The Crows face a huge test when they take on Sydney at the SCG next Friday night at 7.50pm (AEST). The Magpies have a 12-day break before they take on Essendon in the traditional Anzac Day encounter at the MCG at 3.20pm (AEST).
WATCH: Bryce Gibbs did his best for the Crows ... again
ADELAIDE 1.1 3.2 6.3 9.4 (58)
COLLINGWOOD 5.2 8.5 11.9 16.10 (106)
GOALS
Adelaide: McGovern 2, Walker 2, Gibbs 2, Ellis-Yolmen, Atkins, Seedsman
Collingwood: Stephenson 5, Thomas 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Grundy, Varcoe, Reid, Phillips, Crocker, Aish, De Goey
BEST
Adelaide: Laird, Seedsman, Gibbs, Atkins, Greenwood
Collingwood: Sidebottom, Grundy, Stephenson, Treloar, Pendlebury, Phillips, Hoskin-Elliott, Dunn
INJURIES
Adelaide: Betts (hamstring), Mackay (head knock)
Collingwood: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hay, Williamson, McInerney
Official crowd: 45,495 at Adelaide Oval
