1. Collingwood rediscovers its winning ways
The Pies' slim finals chances are still alive after they broke a six-game losing streak with an 18-point over the Blues on Saturday. It has been a long time between wins, with Collingwood last victorious in round 11 against the Giants, and Nathan Buckley commenting during the week that his side had forgotten how to win. The victory over the Blues has the Pies at 9-9 this season, and keeps them within four points of the top eight, but more importantly gives them some confidence ahead of next Friday night's clash with the Sydney Swans.
2. Injury-prone swingman's gallant return
Ben Reid returned to the Pies side for his first senior game since round 21, 2014 following a series of soft tissue injuries. In his 100th game he started in attack, having played the last couple of weeks in the VFL as a forward, and got off to a terrific start kicking Collingwood's first goal of the game. He finished the game with four goals, but more importantly got through his comeback match unscathed. Small forward Alex Fasolo also kicked four, and had 15 disposals and eight marks. He was a livewire in attack for the Pies in the absence of Travis Cloke and Jesse White.
3. Magpies' midfielders masterclass
Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan put on a masterclass at the MCG, with 78 disposals between them. The Pies skipper did as he pleased, racking up 14 touches in the opening quarter, and finished the game with 37 possessions, nine tackles, four clearances and give inside 50s. A beardless Swan was even more damaging with 41 disposals, six clearances and three goals. He joked with Buckley during the week he should be re-signed on a million-dollar deal, and with the form he's in, he has a good case for a hefty new contract.
4. Few positives for the Blues
There weren't too many highlights for the Blues on Saturday. Skipper Marc Murphy was outstanding. He had 35 disposals, with his gut running impressive. Young gun Patrick Cripps was also exceptional in the midfield with 11 clearances and 35 disposals. Andrejs Everitt can also hold his head high after kicking a career-high four goals. His highlight came in the second term when he intercepted a rogue kick from Magpie Taylor Adams, gathered and snapped a brilliant goal from the pocket. The lowlight for the Blues came in the last eight minutes of the game with the momentum in their favour, youngster Clem Smith gave away a free kick behind play before a centre bounce. The Pies took the ball immediately, pushed forward and kicked a goal to put the game out of reach for the Blues.
5. Late controversy at the 'G
With seven minutes to go in the final term and Collingwood ahead by seven points, there was a controversial non-decision that raised eyebrows. A mark spilled from Fasolo's hands right on the Magpies' goal line, with the Pies forward appearing to throw it back towards Reid, who soccered it off the ground for his fourth goal. A review was called to ensure the ball wasn't touched over the line, and the goal stood. But Carlton fans would have every reason to feel aggrieved after the replay questioned the legality of Fasolo's disposal.
