‘Heart attack Pies’ stun Premiers in wild high-scoring comeback
Collingwood were the surprise packets of 2022 with a stunning record the side has continued into the new season against the Premiers.
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Collingwood have kicked off season 2023 in sensational fashion with a 22-point win over reigning premiers Geelong at the MCG on Friday night in a highly-entertaining rematch of their epic qualifying final.
In front of 86,595 fans – the second-biggest home-and-away crowd for a match featuring these two teams – the Pies snapped Geelong’s second-longest winning streak of 16 matches in a 19.11 (125) to 16.7 (103) stunner to get the Cats’ premiership defence off to a shaky start.
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For much of the night, Geelong’s incredible accuracy (they were 16.1 at one stage) kept them in the game as Collingwood dominated general play, with healthy leads in inside-50s and clearances for the most part, but failed to convert that advantage onto the scoreboard.
The Magpies’ wastefulness looked like it might cost them the game when they found themselves 22 points down 26 minutes into the third quarter.
But the more energetic Pies didn’t relent, booting the final eight goals, including two from sub Reef McInnes, to run right over the top of the exhausted Cats who ran out of puff and didn’t score in the final quarter until the 29-minute mark.
In the end, the Cats buckled under the sheer weight of statistical numbers as the Magpies finished well clear in disposals (372-313), contested possessions (135-128), clearances (45-36), marks (105-69), inside 50s (62-46) and scoring shots (30-23).
The Pies made their mark in 2022 by winning nine of 10 games by seven points or less but did it considerably easier in the opening match of 2023.
You know what - I’m bloody on the Pies Wagon - they will win the flag in ‘23 #InMacraeITrust
— David King (@davidking34) March 17, 2023
Can't but admire the spirit of the Pies. We'll keep coming even if the umpires gift the opposition 10 goals. #AFLCatsPies
— Antoun Issa (@antissa) March 17, 2023
The heart attack Pies are back baby! #AFL#AFLCatsPies
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) March 17, 2023
WHERE ARE THE EXPERTS WHO SAID PIES WONT MAKE THE 8? SHOULD BE SACKED IMMEDIATELY MONDAY.
— Dane Swan (@swandane) March 17, 2023
Jordan De Goey franked his pre-season form with a best-on-ground performance that saw him register 25 touches and three goals, while at 35 years of age, Scott Pendlebury once again proved himself to be the Benjamin Button of the AFL, turning in an influential performance which included 27 disposals (10 contested), eight tackles and a goal.
The former Collingwood captain's successor Darcy Moore (nine intercepts) started his reign in fine style too with a dominant performance down back, while Tom Mitchell (21 touches, 11 clearances and two goals) and Bobby Hill (three goals) started their life in black and white in exciting fashion. Dynamic brother duo Nick (35) and Josh Daicos (27) also had a huge say in proceedings, combining for 62 possessions.
Originally published as ‘Heart attack Pies’ stun Premiers in wild high-scoring comeback
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