Collingwood have escaped with a pulsating four-point victory over North Melbourne after surviving a final-second marking contest inside the Kangaroos’ forward 50 at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
Final seconds drama
The Magpies appeared to have the game in their keeping when Josh Daicos took a mark in the centre of the ground with 50 seconds on the clock and the scoreboard on his side. He took a defensive kick backwards but when Collingwood were eventually forced to kick forward to a contest, the Kangaroos had one last chance and they smelt blood.
Luke Parker took an intercept mark and played on immediately, starting a chain of play that was stalled at half forward, but still gave the Roos a chance for one last entry. With less than 10 seconds on the clock, they won the clearance and sent it into the forward 50 where North youngster Cooper Trembath almost covered himself in glory with a contested mark for the ages on the siren. But the 20-year-old just couldn’t hang on and the siren sounded on an instant classic.
Impact on ladder
The win boosts Collingwood’s chances of a top-10 finish and a wildcard match — or better. According to AFL analysts, the four-point margin was the closest of the season for both teams. North Melbourne, despite the loss, showed significant improvement under coach Alastair Clarkson.
More to come as the round progresses.
