Collingwood has recorded a memorable 24-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
In a gripping, see-sawing contest, Collingwood won 11.20 (86) to 9.8 (62).
The Pies took the ascendancy in the third term, with the move of ruckman Chris Bryan to full-forward instrumental.
The ever-dangerous Bryan booted three goals from his nine marks and drew supply from creative runners Leon Davis (22 touches), Heath Shaw (26 possessions) and Rhys Shaw (22 touches).
The Crows paid little respect to defender Dane Swan, who collected the ball 32 times.
Despite the best efforts of Andrew McLeod off half-back and Ian Perrie up forward, the Crows failed to halt the Magpies’ momentum.
The result was particularly pleasing for the Magpies given they were without key defenders Simon Prestigiacomo and James Clement for chunks of the game through injury.
The result was made to look leaner by the Pies' hitting the post nine times.
Travis Cloke kicked two goals, while Tarkyn Lockyer (29 possessions, two goals), ruckman Josh Fraser (21 possessions, 11 marks and 13 hit outs) and Scott Pendlebury were key playmakers.
Fraser was excellent in the ruck, helping to curb the impact of the Crows' Ben Hudson.
His late 50m bomb proved the game breaker.
The Pies' commitment to the cause was typified by Lockyer, whose interception late in the third term set up a running goal for Bryan.
After the first half, Collingwood held a slender one-point after the Crows fought back from a 23-point deficit midway through the second quarter.
The Crows turned the tide in the midfield through veterans Tyson Edwards and McLeod.This enabled forwards Perrie and Richard Douglas to boot two goals each.
Collingwood controlled play for the majority of the first quarter, holding a nine-point advantage at the break.
The handball-happy Crows struggled to contain the Pies’ efficient disposal and strong marking.
Rhys Shaw was everywhere, making life difficult for the Crows with his running to position.
Forward Travis Cloke slotted the Pies’ first goal from 45m, and a gem from Rhys Shaw on the run was another highlight.
Collingwood 3.5 5.8 10.15 11.20 (86)Adelaide 2.1 6.1 8.5 9.8 (62)
GOALS
Collingwood: Bryan 3, Cloke 2, Lockyer 2, Pendlebury, Thomas, R Shaw, Fraser
Adelaide: Perrie 3, Douglas 2, Thompson, Welsh, Stevens, Vince
BESTCollingwood: R Shaw, Lockyer, H Shaw, Swan, O'Brien, Bryan, Cloke, Davis
Adelaide: Goodwin, Douglas, Thompson, McLeod
INJURIESCollingwood: A Didak (calf) replaced in selected side by C Egan, J Clement (calf)
Adelaide: J Hinge (hamstring)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: S McLaren R Chamberlain S Meredith
Official Crowd: 43,915 at AAMI Stadium
