Collingwood have won both their matches in the opening night of the NAB Cup, coming from behind to win the last game against Essendon.
Both the Pies and Bombers went into the final game with one win a piece, beating the Bulldogs in the opening two games respectively.
Essendon shook off a horror week to start well in the first game and showcased prized recruit Brendon Goddard, as they cruised to a 26 point win against the Doggies. The former Saint looked solid in his new colours, picking up 13 possessions as his side won 1.5.6 (45) to 1.1.4 (19).
The Bulldogs took it up to the Pies early in the second game with mature age recruit continuing his good early form. A two point lead at the half was quickly extended to seven but the Pies managed to hit back and control the rest of the game, running out winners by three goals.
The first two matches setup an exciting third with the Pies and Bombers to battle it out for that vital second win. Both teams were missing some star players but the intensity was high early in an even first half.
Goddard continued his form from game one as a long goal helped his new side to a handy lead in the second half and the Bombers looked home with a few minutes to go. However, a dribbling goal out of the pack from Andrew Krakouer with two minues on the clock sparked the Pies.
As Collingwood pushed forward again, big man Travis Cloke received a free kick for a push in the back and he goaled to put his team in front. With just seconds to go Essendon youngster Luke Davis won a free kick about 55m from goal, but his kick after the siren fell short, giving the Pies a 2 point victory.
Essendon – 1.2.4, 1.5.6 (45)
Western Bulldogs – 1.0.3, 1.1.4 (19)
Supergoal
Essendon: Hardingham
Western Bulldogs: Higgins
Goals
Essendon: Bellchambers, Browne, Davey Dell’Olio, Kommer
Western Bulldogs: Jones
Best
Essendon: Fletcher, Goddard, Hibberd,
Western Bulldogs: Boyd, Morris
Western Bulldogs – 0.3.3, 0.4.5 (29)
Collingwood – 0.3.1, 1.6.2 (47)
Supergoal
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Collingwood: Swan
Goals
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa 2, Dickson, Grant
Collingwood: Cloke 2, Blair, Elliott, Lynch, Macaffer
Best
Western Bulldogs: Smith, Liberatore, Jong, Griffen
Collingwood: Swan, Shaw, Blair, Martin, Young
Collingwood – 1.0.5, 1.2.10 (31)
Essendon – 0.2.3, 0.4.5 (29)
Supergoals
Collingwood: Sinclair
Essendon: Nil
Goals
Collingwood: Krakouer, Cloke,
Essendon: Jetta 2, Heppell, Goddard
Best
Collingwood: Beams, Pendlebury, Russell, Sinclair, Johnson
Essendon: Dempsey, Baguley, Stanton, Goddard, Pears, Heppell
