When Collingwood lost their primary key defender Darcy Moore before the game, quite a few changed their tips.
However, the Pies proved again they can cover their losses as they steamrolled North Melbourne at the MCG.
Accuracy in front of goal early got the momentum heading in their direction and Collingwood ran away with it from there, kicking 12 goals in the first half to five.
The Pies never took their foot off the throat either, pushing away further in the fourth term to run away with a 66-point win.
Here's everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Collingwood's forward line
West Coast's backline took Collingwood apart last weekend with intercept marks and coming up against a North Melbourne team with similar defensive weapons, the Pies changed it up and dominated.
Brody Mihocek (four goals), De Goey (four), Hoskin-Elliott (three), Stephenson (three) and Cox (one) - there wouldn't be a forward line with more players capable of kicking bags in the competition.
Given they take on Richmond next weekend, we'll see if they can do it against the best, but with Cox back and a number of versatile players around him, they could give the Tigers a fright.
Enough time to fumble, turn around and nail his third goal!
— AFL (@AFL) July 21, 2018
Jordan De Goey in the action again!#AFLPiesNorth pic.twitter.com/AGylVyUSnX
Finals implications: What do the Roos have to do to make it now?
The loss leaves North in 10th position on the ladder and with Geelong playing at GMHBA Stadium and Hawthorn facing Carlton, they could find themselves a game out of the eight.
Their percentage is already the worst of the top 10 teams and with West Coast, Brisbane (away), the Bulldogs, Adelaide (away) and St Kilda to come, it's not an easy road.
They may have to win four of those to make it.
Collingwood has picked up their 12th win of the season and despite their difficult run home, likely don't have much more work to do to secure a finals spot.
Top four will depend of their crucial match-ups with Richmond, Sydney (away), Port Adelaide and Fremantle (away).
Magpies and pigeons getting along...
— AFL (@AFL) July 21, 2018
Pendles just bounced the ball on a pigeon! #AFLPiesNorth pic.twitter.com/WhdoHmbZhX
What’s next?
The Pies have the ultimate challenge next Saturday afternoon when they take on Richmond at the MCG. No one has beaten the Tigers at the venue for over 400 days and this game could see over 90,000 fans in attendance.
North meanwhile have a must-win game when they take on West Coast down in Tasmania. The Roos have lost their last three encounters with the Eagles.
Hoskin-Elliott gets a fortunate one, but they all count!#AFLPiesNorth pic.twitter.com/YwfySpPmyg
— AFL (@AFL) July 21, 2018
Full Score
Collingwood: 7.2, 13.3, 15.5, 20.10. (130)
North Melbourne: 2.3, 5.6, 7.7, 9.10. (64)
GOALS
Collingwood: Mihocek 4, De Goey 4, Hoskin-Elliott 3, Stephenson 3, Phillips, Grundy, Thomas, Cox, Greenwood, Adams
North Melbourne: Daw 3, Ziebell 2, Brown 2, Goldstein, Hrovat
BEST
Collingwood: De Goey, Adams, Mihocek, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Stephenson, Sidebottom
North Melbourne: Clarke, Higgins, Cunnington, Goldstein
INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
North Melbourne: Thompson (nose), Morgan (calf)
Reports: Nil