IT TOOK the better part of four quartersbut Collingwood finally got over the top of a determined Carlton challenge to win by 24 points in anenthralling clash at the MCG.
The final margin flattered the Pies, with thescores all tied-up entering time-on of the last quarter.
But the Pies booted the last four goals of thematch to eventually prevail 18.12 (120) to Carlton 14.12 (96).
The win has entrenched Mick Malthouse's men in the eight and has them well positioned for a tilt at a top-four finish.
But it wasn't all good news for the Pies, with veteran James Clement forced from the groundlate in the last term with what looked to be a leg injury.
It was Clement's first game since suffering a calf injury inround six.
The Blues drew level with Collingwood when Brendan Fevolakicked his sixth goal 20 minutes into the last term, but the Magpies steadiedto seal the game.
After eight lead changes in the first half, the Magpies ledby seven points at the main break and looked ready to take control when theykicked the first goal of the third term.
But their key forwards were struggling to break some strongwork by the Carltondefence and the Blues rallied with a four-goal run to lead by 11 just beforethree-quarter time.
Collingwood were coming off a 93-point thrashing from Brisbane last week andwere forced to make three late changes.
Shane O'Bree, Shane Wakelin and Guy Richards went out of theside for Rhyce Shaw, Paul Medhurst and Shannon Cox.
COLLINGWOOD 4.0 8.7 10.10 18.12 (120)
CARLTON 4.4 7.6 11.10 14.12 (96)
GOALS - Collingwood:A Rocca 5, T Cloke 4, L Davis 2, D Thomas 2, T Lockyer 2, H Shaw, S Burns, ADidak. Carlton: B Fevola 6, B Fisher 2, J Waite 2, J Russell K, Simpson, SO'hAilpin, J Saddington.
BEST - Collingwood:T Cloke, S Burns, A Rocca, J Clement, D Swan. Carlton: H Scotland, BFisher, A Carrazzo, B Fevola, B Thornton.
Umpires: H Kennedy,M Stevic, M Avon.
Official crowd:56,341 at the MCG.
