The Bombers Magpies Showdown
Last updated: Jul 9, 2018, 4:42AM | Published: Jul 9, 2018, 3:41AM
Collingwood cruelly denied Essendon a surprise win with a late barrage of goals, winning by 16 points on Sunday afternoon at the MCG. The Bombers seemed set to win before the Pies kicked four goals in eleven minutes to claim victory.
Jordan De Goey led the Pies late surge, helping them kick five of the last six to seal their seventh straight win - a feat not achieved since 2012.
With an incredibly tough month ahead Collingwood couldn't afford to drop a game, with West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond to come at the MCG before travelling to face Sydney to round out a very tough month of footy.
It was fitting that Steele Sidebottom - in his 200th game, would give the Pies the lead that they'd hold onto the rest of the game.
His first goal, however, which was early in the game, was a testament to his underrated brilliance.
STEELE SIDEBOTTOM ARE YOU KIDDING?
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2018
An incredible effort from the man playing his 200th game! #AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/U7KqVXSGpw
Collingwood kicked away to an 18 point lead early in the game, before the Bombers turned the game into a scrap in the second and third quarters, narrowing the margin and eventually taking the lead.
Mitch Brown kicked the first goal of the final term to put the Bombers seven points clear, but it was De Goey who would have the last laugh as he led the Pies to an important win that sealed Collingwood's 2nd placing on the ladder.
Essendon trailed on Stats Insider's In-Play Win Probability most of the day, but took a late lead in the third and fourth quarter. Collingwood wouldn't be denied, as their superior quality eventually won out.
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