Collingwood overcame Adelaide in yet another thriller, beating the Crows by two points in an enthralling contest at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies looked in control before a seven-goal third quarter from the Crows put the visitors ahead heading into the final term.

But as it did in round seven in a one-point win, Collingwood charged home to record a 12.10 (82) to 11.14 (80) victory, kicking five goals to two in the last quarter.

Adelaide recovered from an underwhelming opening half to slot seven goals to none in the third quarter, turning a 27-point half-time deficit into a 13-point three-quarter time lead. 

Adelaide recovered from an underwhelming opening half to slot seven goals to none in the third quarter, turning a 27-point half-time deficit into a 13-point three-quarter time lead. 

With Taylor Walker and Jordan Dawson leading the Crows towards a rare win at the MCG – and a rare win away from the Adelaide Oval in 2023 – it took a huge effort from the Magpies to flip the script in the fourth quarter. 

Craig McRae received an even contribution, but it was Mason Cox who stood up in the final quarter with two calmly converted goals and a moment that incited a melee and lit the fuse to fire the Magpies home for a 12th win of 2023.

Adelaide made the better start with both teams emerging from the bye rusty early, but it was the Daicos show from the get-go. Without Ben Keays trailing him around like a Jayco like last time, Nick punished the Crows early, combining with Josh for 22 Daicos disposals at 100 per cent efficiency by foot in the opening quarter. 

After missing the two games before the mid-season bye due to a shoulder injury, Jamie Elliott took the first 30 minutes to regain touch, but then in the space of a few moments in the second quarter, he kicked the first two goals of the term. 

When Tom Mitchell was handed a dubious 50m penalty, Collingwood had six goals in a row to open up a 27-point lead by half-time.

Adelaide had plenty of looks forward of centre, but the difference was in the composure. 

Yet just when Adelaide looked like remaining winless at the MCG for another visit, the Crows flicked a switch like they have done often in 2023.

They kicked all seven goals of the third quarter to breathe life into a cold Melbourne day. 

In the space of 30 minutes, Collingwood's 27-point half-time lead had become a 13-point deficit.

Harvey Harrison ended the rout by kicking the first goal of the fourth quarter to reduce the margin to single digits. Walker got the instant reply to draw level with Charlie Curnow in the Coleman Medal race.

Then, enter Cox, who booted two quick goals. 

But the game wasn't over yet.

Walker kicked a fifth to move one clear in the Coleman Medal, but despite a ferocious finish from the Crows, Collingwood held on in an epic finish at the MCG.

SCOREBOARD

COLLINGWOOD          2.4     7.5     7.8     12.10 (82)
ADELAIDE                   1.5     2.8     9.9     11.14 (80)

GOALS 
Collingwood: Elliott 2, Cox 2, Mitchell, Johnson, Hoskin-Elliott, Hill, Harrison, N.Daicos, J.Daicos, Adams
Adelaide: Walker 5, Thilthorpe, Soligo, Rankine, Pedlar, Murphy, Fogarty

BEST 
Collingwood: N.Daicos, J.Daicos, Mitchell, Pendlebury, Quaynor, Howe, Maynard
Adelaide: Dawson, Walker, Keays, Hinge, Laird, Jones

INJURIES 
Collingwood: Nil
Adelaide: Murray (hamstring)

SUBSTITUTES 
Collingwood: Beau McCreery (replaced Ash Johnson at three-quarter time)
Adelaide: Ned McHenry (replaced Nick Murray at half-time)

Crowd: 65,930 at the MCG