Magpies lift in the final term to breath life back into the season hopes.
The Collingwood magpies have overcome a 13-point three-quarter time deficit to beat the Geelong Cats by eight points in their blockbuster clash at the MCG.
Geelong had been the front-runners of the competition through the first two months of the season, but they were out-enthused in the last term as the Pies won 15.12 (102) to 14.12 (96).
The margin could have been even bigger for the Cats after they found themselves down by 26 points at the long break before an eight-goal term gave them all of the momentum heading into the final term.
Jamie Elliott, Sam Dwyer and Andrew Krakouer kicked three goals each for the Magpies and all played a role in Collingwood’s last-quarter fightback, while midfielder Scott Pendlebury and defender Harry O’Brien were prominent.
Krakour’s third of the game, scored at the 23rd minute of the fourth quarter, stung the Cats as the Pies hung on to win in front of 66,768 fans.
Geelong’s preparation was upset when they lost Steve Johnson to a calf which caused coach Chris Scott to reshuffle his side.
Geelong subbed out half-forward Billie Smedts during the second quarter with a leg injury.
Collingwood ruckman Darren Jolly was reported in the second quarter for high contact after landing a bump on Geelong’s Mathew Stokes.
Tom Hawkins booted a game-high four goals for the Cats while Mathew Stokes, Joel Corey, Corey Enright and Jimmy Bartel were good contributors.
The Magpies host Sydney at the MCG on Friday night while Geelong are away to Port Adelaide the following day.
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