Collingwood pull off epic comeback fourth quarter win

Collingwood have pulled off the simply unthinkable as they sent shockwaves through the entire competition with their display.

Daicos you star. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Collingwood have proved they’re deserving of being premiership favourites after an absurd come from behind victory over Essendon on Anzac Day.

The Pies stormed home in the final quarter, kicking seven unanswered goals to come from 28-points down to pinch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Fans barely sat down for the final 15 minutes of the clash as the Pies came home with a wet sail.

The highly-anticipated clash was the first Anzac Day meeting between the two since 2000 that saw both teams enter the clash while sitting inside the top four on the ladder.

Essendon looked to have the Pies measure after three quarters, but were picked apart and overran in the final quarter.

The pressure from Collingwood lifted to immeasurable heights and Essendon simply couldn’t answer when the going got tough.

Fans packed out the stands with a record-breaking 95,179 in attendance. Making it the biggest crowd in Anzac Day history and the second biggest crowd to ever attend a home and away AFL game.

20-year-old Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos was at his absolute best on the biggest stage of all as the second year player delivered a performance for the ages.

The young star pounced on a loose ball at the top of the goal square to kick his first goal in the fourth quarter, his second later in the quarter gave the Pies the lead and from there they never looked back.

He finished the contest with a game-high 40 disposals, an equal team-high two goals and a game-high 604 metres gained.

Daicos was righfully named the winner of the 2023 Anzac Day Medal.

Daicos you star. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In the second quarter fans were handed an instantly iconic moment between a Collingwood fan and Essendon player Kyle Langford.

After being awarded a free kick inside 50, the ball ended up in the hands of a fan in the front row.

Instead of throwing the ball back to Langford, the fan held it out at arms length before throwing it to the turf as the Bombers star got closer.

Langford ultimately had the last laugh as he went back behind his mark and slotted the goal before turning and pointing out the fan.

“He turns to the bloke who wouldn’t give him the ball and says ‘have some of that’,’” Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw said.

Brian Taylor added: “And a nice civilised manner he did it in as well.”

Freelance commentator Darren Parkin wrote: “Langford pointing to the dickhead in the crowd after that goal.”

Triple M’s Rudi Edsall wrote: “That was great gear from all involved, classic Anzac Day moment.”

Kyle Langford has the last laugh 😂#AFLPiesDonspic.twitter.com/5tue0xNJvJ

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 25, 2023

Brilliant shithousery from Langford and that fan. 1-1 draw. #AFLPiesDons

— Jordan Kounelis (@JordanKounelis) April 25, 2023

Fans weren’t happy with the AFL earlier in the game over an easily avoidable mistake.

As Collingwood and Essendon lined up for the 28th Anzac Day contest, fans were struggling to differentiate the two sides.

Collingwood’s famous white and black stripes stood out, but it was Essendon’s white shorts causing issues.

Add in multiple Collingwood stars tussling on the deck resulting in red paint covering their guernseys.

The issue took over social media in the opening quarter of the highly-anticipated contest.

CODE Sports’ Daniel Cherny wrote: “Strong splashes of red on the back of Collingwood’s jumper combined with Essendon wearing white shorts makes this a hall of fame jumper clash.”

ESPN’s Matt Walsh wrote: “Dark backs, white numbers. Both clubs wearing some combination of black, white, and red (MASSIVE KFC and Emirates logos on the Pies). Anzac Day always one for the jumper clash fans.”