Magpies emerge with scrappy AFL win

A Scott Pendlebury masterclass has helped Collingwood edge their AFL nemesis Carlton with a 12-point victory at the MCG.

The Collingwood captain tallied 22 first-half touches and looked a class above in the Magpies’ 8.9 (57) to 6.9 (45) victory.

The last edition of the game’s oldest rivalry was a match of high intensity, if not high scoring, tailor-made for defenders.

A lack of in-form forwards for both sides meant the match regressed into a desperate scrap at times, with Collingwood finding enough scoring power from midfield.

Brodie Grundy and Jarryd Blair kicked two goals each for the Magpies, with only Bryce Gibbs tallying two for Carlton.

The Blues, despite the much-hyped debut of forward Jack Silvagni, didn’t kick a goal in an hour of game time after Gibbs’ second-term major.

Their scoring drought allowed Collingwood to take control of the match incrementally, with their own four goals during Carlton’s dry spell effectively settling the contest.

The win, just the Magpies’ sixth of the season, gives Nathan Buckley’s side much-needed momentum.

It also prevents Carlton recording a rare double over Collingwood after shocking their more-fancied rivals in round seven.

With both teams only a remote chance of playing finals, the Blues’ fans among the 56,157 crowd could at least delight in seeing the son of club legend Stephen Silvagni for the first time.

Teenager Silvagni set up Carlton’s first goal of the match and was enthusiastic through the contest without making a mark of his own.

In his 200th game, Andrew Walker was among the many forwards who failed to shine.

It was the defenders who impressed, with Ben Sinclair – twice producing diving spoils to prevent Carlton goals – and Kade Simpson joining Pendlebury as the night’s best performers.

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