Collingwood make history after winning latest contest by slender margin

Collingwood have etched their names into the record books after pulling off another nailbiting victory as their meteoric rise continues.

Make that 10.

Collingwood’s extraordinary winning streak under first-year coach Craig McRae rages on and the club is now certain of finals action one season after finishing second-from-bottom.

After trailing Port Adelaide by four goals before quarter-time, the AFL’s comeback kings rallied to be ahead by halftime, then withstood a late Power surge to win by six points at the MCG.

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Jase Burgoyne, son of Port Adelaide great Peter, put through a nerve-free finish with barely a minute left, and the Power went forward again but a free kick and 50m penalty to the Pies sealed the result.

Seven of Collingwood’s 10 victories in that span were single-digit margins, including Jamie Elliott’s after-the-siren matchwinner last week, with another decided by 11 points.

Port, on the other hand, has lost seven of nine games decided by 12 points or fewer this season.

Jordan De Goey produced an excellent display after a fortnight off with a quad injury to be the most influential player on the ground, while skipper Scott Pendlebury was also a force in the clinches.

Collingwood keep soaring. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Magpies will try to lock in a top-four berth in the next three weeks, whereas Port Adelaide can start planning post-season holidays.

How hard Collingwood continues to making it on itself would be of some concern to McRae but it’s hard to argue with his players’ resilience.

They will have to keep winning to earn the double chance, given their percentage pales in comparison to the other contenders.

Reigning premier Melbourne, Sydney and Carlton await in a difficult but fascinating finals tune-up for the Pies.

COLL the first side to win 9 games by under 12 points in a V/@AFL season

@CollingwoodFC#AFLPiesPower

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) July 30, 2022

There are some concerns for the Magpies, who subbed out prime mover Taylor Adams (groin) at halftime and put defender Jeremy Howe (corkie) on ice in the final term.

Collingwood looked set to give its fans an easier afternoon when it moved a match-high 24 points clear early in the fourth quarter, shortly after a brilliant Jamie Elliott soccer goal.

But the Power kicked four of the next five goals to threaten a boilover – and to keep its season alive – before falling agonisingly short.