The AFL’s comeback kings have done it again, with Collingwood producing a scintillating last-quarter surge to stun Essendon by 13 points in front of a record Anzac Day crowd at the MCG.
Arguably the most eagerly anticipated Anzac Day blockbuster ever, the match lived up to the hype as young Collingwood star Nick Daicos put in a famous performance to lead his team to their fifth victory of 2023.
Down by 28 points at three-quarter-time, the Magpies stormed home with 7.2 to 0.3 in the last term to steal a classic, 13.12 (90) to 11.11 (77).
The crowd of 95,179 eclipsed the previous record of 94,825 set during the first Anzac Day blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon back in 1995.
Daicos finished with 40 possessions, but it was his two vital goals in the last quarter that truly earned him his first Anzac Medal.
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The 20-year-old, in his second season, has been prolific in almost every game he has played this year to be comfortably favourite for the Brownlow Medal.
After a tight first half, Essendon turned a two-point halftime deficit into a 28-point advantage by the final change after surging with 6.3 to 1.3 in the third quarter.
But exhilarating comebacks have been a trademark of Collingwood since Craig McRae took over as coach ahead of the 2022 season.
The Magpies’ momentum was undeniable for Essendon, who appeared to be on track for an unlikely 5-1 start to the season under new coach Brad Scott.
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It was heartbreak again for Essendon, after Jamie Elliott had nailed an extraordinary goal after the siren to seal a Collingwood win in the previous meeting between the two traditional rivals last year.
Sam Draper had an opportunity to put the Bombers back in front with six minutes remaining but the Essendon ruckman missed an easy set-shot.
Veteran Steele Sidebottom, who was outstanding with 31 disposals, made Draper pay at the other end by sealing Collingwood’s win with a goal on the run.
Bombers midfielder Jye Caldwell will likely face scrutiny from the match review officer for a strike to the stomach of Daicos in the third quarter.
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Defender Jayden Laverde was subbed out after suffering a head knock in the third quarter, replaced by Essendon teammate Ben Hobbs, and is likely to be placed under concussion protocols.
