The Demons 10.4 (64) went down to the Magpies 17.15 (117) in front of a crowd of 43,176 people. The loss now means Collingwood has won its past three matches against Melbourne.
After a fine first quarter and a half, the Demons effectively went a term without scoring. From 11 minutes into the second term, through until the 13-minute mark of the third quarter, the Dees did not even register a behind.
Conversely, the Pies slammed on six unanswered goals in Melbourne's dry spell, turning a 13-point deficit into a 27-point lead. Ultimately, this period cost Melbourne the match.
And 14 goals to five after quarter-time only reinforced that.
Still, the Magpies had their concerns early on. It wasn't until the 24-minute mark of the second quarter until the Pies hit the front for the first time, but from there they didn't look back.
Melbourne veterans Cameron Bruce, who had 30 disposals (including 20 in the first half) and Brad Green (23 touches and three goals) were among its best. Aaron Davey, with a team-high 31 possessions and Nathan Jones (26) also impressed for the Dees.
Key defender Matthew Warnock had been solid on Magpie forward Travis Cloke for much of the match, until he kicked two in the last term.
For the Pies, Josh Fraser worked tirelessly in the ruck and was an influential figure in the win. Forward Jack Anthony (four goals) and Alan Didak (29 disposals and three) also shone. Dane Swan with a game-high 33 touches starred in the midfield.
The Demons made the most of their opportunities in the first quarter, particularly from contested marking (eight to one) and in front of goal. Melbourne landed five goals to three, gaining a 13-point lead at the first break.
Green kicked two for the term, with Brad Miller, Paul Johnson and Cale Morton also contributing one each.
It was goal-for-goal early in the second term, with Melbourne answering the Pies on each occasion. But when Didak registered back-to-back goals, the Pies had drawn level and momentum had turned.
Minutes later, Paul Medhurst bobbed up with his first to put Collingwood in front by seven points at half time.
The Pies upped the ante in the second half with nine goals to three as the Demons all but stopped.
Green's beautiful set-shot goal, tucked deep in the Olympic Stand pocket, was one of few highlights after the main change.
Despite Melbourne's disappointing day, it must be remembered it went in without several players on the sidelines, including Russell Robertson, Col Garland, Paul Wheatley, Austin Wonaeamirri, Matthew Whelan, Simon Buckley, Jack Grimes, Daniel Bell, Mark Jamar and James Strauss.
Collingwood 3.1 8.3 14.7 17.15 (117)
Melbourne 5.2 7.2 9.4 10.4 (64)
GOALS
Collingwood: Anthony 4, Didak 3 Lockyer 2, Cloke 2, Swan, Medhurst, Brown, Fraser, Davis, Beams
Melbourne: Green 3, Miller, Johnson, Morton, Petterd, Bate, Bruce, McLean
BEST
Collingwood: Fraser, Didak, Swan, Maxwell, Anthony, Lockyer, Davis, Beams
Melbourne: Bruce, Warnock, Green, Davey, Miller, Jones, Morton
INJURIES
Collingwood: Dale Thomas withdrew from the selected side with gastro. He was replaced by Dayne Beams.
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Heath Shaw (Collingwood) for rough conduct (TBC) against Jared Rivers in the third term.
Umpires: Donlon, McLaren, Ryan
Official crowd: 43,176 at the MCG
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
