An under-strength Collingwood has recovered from a half time deficit to record an important 24-point win against Carlton to solidify their spot in the top eight.
The Blues were the better side up to half time but after the main change, the Pies dominated general play without making it count on the scoreboard until late in the match.
In what was billed as the match of the round, the game lived up to expectations in front of a sizeable crowd in neutral territory in Brisbane.
Jaidyn Stephenson’s goal in the final term to extend Collingwood’s lead beyond a goal and then Josh Daicos’ snap with eight minutes to play were the two defining moments of the match.
"Collingwood has clearly been the better side since half time," Terry Wallace said on AFL Nation.
"The Blues have just dried up with any options going forward."
Carlton failed to kick a goal in the second half and now face an uphill battle to play finals for the first time since 2013.
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The big hit: Chris Mayne’s hard knock__
Patrick Cripps and Chris Mayne’s accidental head knock was no one’s fault but it meant the Collingwood veteran came off second best and left the field visibly dazed in the final term.
It was an incident which summed up how much of the match was played – hard, tough but ultimately fair.
The hope is Mayne won’t miss too much footy but it wouldn’t surprise to see him sit out their next match against Brisbane in just five days’ time.
The veteran: Eddie Betts’ important role
As the season draws to a close, it’s natural the future of fan-favourite Eddie Betts will be up for discussion but on the basis of his performance against the Pies on Sunday afternoon, he deserves to be given a contract for next year.
The 33-year-old kicked multiple goals for the first time since Round 6 and combining with fellow small forward Zac Fisher, they gave Collingwood’s defensive outfit plenty to think about.
Whether Betts is on the list in 2021 is one of a numerous list decisions facing Carlton in the coming weeks but a strong finish to the season should put his future prospects beyond any doubt, such is his importance to the Blues line up.
What’s next?
The big games keep coming for both these sides as the season draws to an exciting conclusion. Carlton are next in action against GWS Giants on Thursday in what looms as a vital clash for their finals aspirations.
Meanwhile, Collingwood will face Brisbane in a Friday night blockbuster in Round 15.
Full Score
Carlton: 2.0, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6 (48)
Collingwood: 2.2, 5.6, 6.8, 10.12 (72)
BEST
Carlton: Curnow, Setterfield, Walsh, Docherty, Betts
Collingwood: Stephenson, Thomas, Adams, Crisp, Daicos, Moore, Cox
GOALS
Carlton: Betts 2, Curnow, Fisher, McKay, Newnes, Walsh
Collingwood: Stephenson 2, Thomas 2, Mihocek 2, Cox 2, Phillips, Daicos
Injuries
Carlton: Cripps (knee)
Collingwood: Mayne (concussion)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 9,033 at the Gabba