MELBOURNE has suffered its heaviest defeat of the season after its greatest rival Collingwood inflicted a 66-point loss on the Demons in the traditional Queen's Birthday clash at the MCG on Monday.

The Magpies romped away in the second half to win 19.12 (126) to 8.12 (60) in front of a crowd of 61,287, kicking nine goals to three after half time in wet conditions.

In Melbourne's biggest home-and-away fixture for 2009, there was only one word to describe its day – disappointing.

The Dees entered the match having produced competitive efforts against quality opposition – including the four teams from last year's preliminary finals – after its only win of the season against Richmond in round four. 

Instead of another competitive showing, the Demons failed to live up the hype of the match, which was only grew with the inclusion of last year's number NAB AFL Draft pick Jack Watts for his debut.

Watts, who started on the bench, came onto the ground at the six-minute mark of the first term. The 18-year-old was involved in the contest immediately when he won the ball on the Members’ wing, but was quickly pounced upon by three Magpies, who dumped him to the turf. The lingering tackle resulted in a free to Watts, producing a roar from the Melbourne faithful.

It was the first of four touches from Watts for the quarter. In the wash-up, Watts finished with eight disposals, showing some good signs.

Collingwood set up its win with the opening eight goals of the match. 

Although Melbourne steadied in the second quarter to peg back a 50-point margin to 31 points at the main break, the result was never in doubt.

In just his 11th match, Collingwood livewire Brad Dick booted a personal-best five goals, while Scott Pendlebury racked up 39 possessions, with ball-magnet Dane Swan adding 32 disposals. Alan Didak also starred with 33 disposals and two goals.

Colin Sylvia was clearly Melbourne's best with three goals and 32 disposals, while Cameron Bruce (28 touches) and Nathan Jones (26) were next best.

The opening term was a shocker for the Demons. Poor skill errors, a lack of awareness and erratic ball-use by hand and foot marred the start of the red and blue's big day.

The Pies booted 7.4 to 0.4, making for the Demons’ first goalless first quarter against Collingwood since round 15, 1960.

In 14 minutes, Collingwood slammed six goals. And when Dick kicked back-to-back goals deep in time-on, the Pies were up by 42 points at quarter-time.

When Bruce finally opened Melbourne's account at the eight-minute mark of the second term, the Demons found some spark. 

Goals to Russell Robertson and Sylvia followed. The latter's came after he took a courageous mark in a contest against Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell, who hit the deck after the duo collided.  

After three on the trot, the Demons reduced the deficit back to 31 points.

With the heavens opening early in the third quarter and Collingwood again on the rampage, thoughts of a fairytale comeback for the Demons were thwarted.

Collingwood added six goals as the Demons could muster just one, although Matthew Bate's second major – a long bomb just outside the centre square - was a beauty.

Melbourne also had its concerns when Matthew Whelan came from the field nursing his ribs. The hard-at-it Demon suffered the injury after first-year Pie Steele Sidebottom crashed into him during a loose ball contest.

Still, the gutsy Dee later returned to the field.

With Collingwood up by 62 points entering the final term, pride was on the line for the Demons.

Instead, the Pies added a further three goals to two, rubbing further salt into the wound.

Collingwood    7.4    10.7    16.11    19.12 (126)
Melbourne       0.4    5.6        6.9         8.12 (60)

GOALS
Collingwood: Dick 5, Anthony 3, Lockyer 3, Didak 2, Clarke, Cloke, Davis, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Swan
Melbourne: Sylvia 3, Bate 2, Bruce, Jones, Robertson

BEST
Collingwood: Swan, Dick, Pendlebury, Didak, Fraser, Shaw, Davis, O'Bree
Melbourne: Sylvia, Jones, Bruce, Davey 

INJURIES
Collingwood: N.Brown (jarred knee)
Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, H.Ryan, S.Ryan

Official crowd: 61,287 at MCG

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.