Collingwood survived multiple pre-match withdrawals and an early injury blow before producing a stunning second half to run over a disappointing North Melbourne on Saturday night.
The Pies turned what was looking like a nightmare night into a percentage booster as they kicked eight goals in the final term to seal a 15.18 (108) to 9.9 (63) victory
Collingwood’s pre-match plans were thrown into disarray when they were forced into two late changes before the first bounce, losing Bobby Hill and Scott Pendlebury.
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Hill was officially withdrawn on Saturday afternoon and replaced in the selected side by Oleg Markov, who was not one of the official three emergencies.
The AFL approved the change because of “exceptional circumstances”.
The Magpies clarified Hill’s absence was because of a family matter.
Pendlebury (illness) was then replaced by Wil Parker when final teams were lodged.
Already without veteran quartet Steele Sidebottom (managed), Darcy Moore (shoulder), Jordan De Goey (Achilles) and Lachie Schultz (concussion), the Pies suffered another blow minutes into the contest.
Another experienced player in Brayden Maynard hurt his foot in an early marking contest.
The tough defender came off the ground and went straight down to the rooms before eventually returning to the field.
But he only lasted a matter of minutes before he came from the ground and was subbed out.
North Melbourne, who came into the game as rank outsiders, capitalised on the situation to skip out to a nine-point lead at half-time.
Despite being undermanned, the Magpies backed their system in and quickly turned things to lead by three points at the final change.
But that lead quickly ballooned out during a brilliant final quarter as the Pies slammed home eight goals to one to run out 45-point winners.
Collingwood’s Nick Daicos racked up a game-high 38 disposals in the win over North Melbourne. Credit: AAP Jamie Elliott finished with five goals, while Tim Membrey (three) and Brody Mihocek (two) shared another five between them.
Stand-in captain Nick Daicos was instrumental with 38 disposals and 12 score involvements, while brother Josh finished with 31 as the two most prolific players on the ground.
But midfield bull Ned Long might have shaded them for best on ground honours after racking up 29 of his own and a phenomenal 14 tackles.
The win keeps the Pies in top spot ahead of next Friday night’s blockbuster against Hawthorn.