COLLINGWOOD has overcome a slow start for the second week in a row to hold off a gallant Adelaide by 27 points in front of 54,790 fans at the MCG on Friday night.
The 17.9 (111) to 12.12 (84) win came on the back of a big second quarter, in which the Magpies booted seven goals to two to turn a 25-point quarter-time deficit into a four-point half-time lead.
The Crows continued to fight hard and were within eight points as late as 18 minutes into a gripping final quarter, but could never re-claim the lead. The result means Adelaide has lost all six of its games against top eight teams this season, and as good as ends the 2012 preliminary finalists' slim hopes of playing off in September.
In a further blow for the visitors, star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield appears set to spend time on the sidelines after injuring his right shoulder.
Collingwood has a worry of its own, with Clinton Young, in just his second game of the season, once again hurting his hamstring in a chase late in the game. He will have scans to determine the severity of the injury.
The Magpies now have 10 wins for the season, moving them to sixth on the ladder, although they will fall back to seventh if Richmond defeats Gold Coast on Saturday. Much like in last week's 41-point thrashing of Carlton, the move of Ben Reid from defence to the forward line proved pivotal in turning around the Magpies' fortunes.
The key position swingman booted the first two goals after quarter-time as the home team awoke from its sluggish start. Small forward Andrew Krakouer then injected himself into the action, booting all of his three goals in the 15 minutes before the main break.
Collingwood midfield stars Dane Swan (31 disposals) and Scott Pendlebury (a career-best 42 touches) shared best afield honours, with both booting crucial goals in the final quarter as Adelaide pressed.
It was the 36th time the duo has both had 30-plus possessions in the same game, with the Magpies winning 32 of them. In his first game of the season after battling a quad injury all year, 2012 Copeland Trophy winner Dayne Beams was also busy, gathering 25 possessions.
His clean ball handling and crisp ball use earned praise from Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.
"He was good for us," Buckley said.
"He looked stronger and got better as the game wore on; his touch is excellent – he comes to hand pretty quickly."
Luke Ball, in his 200th match, and Steele Sidebottom, in his 100th, were other strong contributors, as was youngster Marley Williams in defence.
Adelaide had only four goalkickers, with Tom Lynch and Jarryd Lyons booting four, Jason Porplyzia three and Richard Douglas one.
Lyons had only one career goal to his name before Friday night's clash.
First-year player Brad Crouch was a standout for the Crows in the midfield, using the ball with precision by foot.
Ricky Henderson also gave his all, while Ben Rutten was typically solid down back. Dangerfield injured his shoulder in the first quarter when he collided with opponent Sam Dwyer as the pair attacked a ground ball. After having the shoulder strapped, Dangerfield bravely returned to the ground, but he was heavily restricted in movement and unable to exert his usual influence on the game.
The Crows are now 6-9, and could finish the weekend as far as three games plus percentage out of the top eight if Port Adelaide beats Hawthorn on Saturday. But despite their seemingly hopeless position, coach Brenton Sanderson said his team would not give up on the season.
"The boys are disappointed tonight. They're pretty shattered in the rooms and I'm a disappointed coach, but we'll come to work on Monday and we'll keep working hard at getting better as a football team," Sanderson said.
They return home to Adelaide to face Geelong next week, while Collingwood will aim for a sixth win in seven matches when it takes on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium. The crowd set a record for a home and away clash between the two teams.
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 9.5 13.6 17.9 (111)
ADELAIDE 6.3 8.7 10.11 12.12 (84)
GOALS
Collingwood: Krakouer 3, Reid 2, Cloke 2, Macaffer 2, Pendlebury 2, Swan 2, Witts, Ball, Sidebottom, Williams
Adelaide: Lyons 4, Lynch 4, Porplyzia 3, Douglas
BEST
Collingwood: Pendlebury, Swan, Ball, Beams, Dwyer, Williams, Sidebottom
Adelaide: Lynch, Lyons, Crouch, Henderson, Douglas, Porplyzia, Rutten
INJURIES
Collingwood: Young (hamstring)
Adelaide: Dangerfield (right shoulder)
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Jamie Elliott replaced by Josh Thomas in the fourth quarter
Adelaide: Matthew Wright replaced by Matthew Jaensch in the fourth quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: McBurney, Stevic, Stewart
Official crowd: 54,790 at the MCG
