Collingwood have once again proved they are the masters of the breakaway with a post-siren win against Essendon on Sunday.
Jamie Elliott was the man for the occasion, calmly slotting home from the touchline as the siren sounded to claim victory 12.8 (80) to 11.10 (76).
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The win makes it nine in a row for the Pies and launches them into the top four of the AFL ladder.
Essendon’s Harris Jones had a shot directly in front of goal in the final minute but his shot deflected off the post.
Collingwood immediately pounced and came out of the Bombers’ back with a long kick inside 50 that fell into Elliott’s hands.
As the clock wound down, Elliott got back behind his mark and dropped back and delivered in emphatic fashion.
“Brand new, brand new,” said James Brayshaw.
Essendon will be left kicking in what was a see-saw contest.
The Magpies raced out of the blocks to lead by 37 points at quarter time but stalled in the middle two quarters as the Bombers completely controlled proceedings, going 20 points ahead early in the final quarter.
But the Pies found their wings and flew home with Elliott sending the 72,000 fans into raptures and left them looking on in utter disbelief.
The Magpies continued their fairytale run under rookie manager Craig McRae, claiming their ninth consecutive win for the first time since 2012.
And after finishing 17th last year, they incredibly now have their sights set on the double, although their home run includes games against top-four rivals Melbourne, Sydney and Carlton.
However, the incredible win came at a cost to the Magpies, who lost star defender Brayden Maynard to a left shoulder injury at three-quarter time.
Essendon also lost star defender Mason Redman at half-time with internal bruising.
After being ambushed in the first quarter by Collingwood, who kicked the first six goals, including three to Ash Johnson, the Bombers dominated proceedings, kicking 11 of the next 13 goals and it looked like their giant-killing ways at the end of season would continue. .
In fact, the Bombers finished with significant advantages in disposals (365-297), contested possessions (133-117), marks (107-72), tackles (58-47) and clearances (41-26).
However, Collingwood’s brilliant 50 minutes of play that marked Essendon’s dominance, which included 10 of the Magpies’ 11 goals, proved the difference.
– with Ronny Lerner, NCA Newswire