Melbourne’s pre-season gained a major boost with an upset nine-point win over AFL powerhouse Collingwood.

The Demons kicked clear in the final term with a four-goal burst to win their second-round game 0.11.13 (79) to 1.9.7 (70) on Saturday night under the Etihad Stadium roof.

Rookie-listed newcomer James Magner was outstanding in the midfield for the Demons with 21 possessions and seven clearances.

Melbourne had to win this game to stay in contention for the NAB Cup final.

Their pressure was outstanding and they out-tackled Collingwood 55-50 – something that would have delighted new Melbourne coach Mark Neeld.

One negative from the game was key forward Jack Watts, who had a quiet night with only seven possessions.

Former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse said on 3AW that Watts appeared to “lack ambition”.

The former No.1 draft pick, who has been the subject of heavy scrutiny throughout his AFL career, was also criticised by former North Melbourne star Wayne Carey on Triple M.

Midfielders Scott Pendlebury and Luke Ball and defender Heath Shaw impressed for Collingwood in a high-standard game.

After Melbourne kicked the first four goals of the third term to take a 24-point lead, Collingwood hit back to stay in the game.

They kicked two goals and then defender Heath Shaw had a shot off one step from just outside 50m, seconds before the three-quarter time siren.

The ball bounced in the goalsquare, but no Melbourne defender could put a hand to it.

After the umpires used the video review, Shaw was awarded the nine pointer and Collingwood only trailed by three points at the last change.

Luke Rounds kicked the first goal of the final term to put the Magpies ahead, but that proved the end of their challenge.

A goal after the halftime siren had given Collingwood the lead by one point, the first time they were in front for the game.

Magpies skipper Nick Maxwell kicked a rare goal after a turnover from Colin Garland, who was otherwise solid in defence for the Demons.

The two sides took advantage of the NAB Cup rules to make several changes at halftime.

Irishman Marty Clarke came on in the second half for Collingwood, his first AFL game since leaving Australia in 2009.

While the roof was shut, Melbourne’s dismal weather had restricted the crowd to 12,954.