Carlton has overrun Collingwood to win by 29 points in front of an empty MCG on Sunday.
The Magpies lead for three and a half quarters, but it was the Blues who finished stronger and ended up on top when it mattered.
The win remarkably keeps Carlton in the finals race as they sit just one game behind current eighth placed Richmond.
The Blues’ win came off the back of midfield dominance despite captain Patrick Cripps missing with injury as Sam Walsh (38 disposals, one goal), Matt Kennedy (26 disposals, one goal) and Ed Curnow (21 disposals) helped their side to a 36-22 clearance differential.
For Collingwood, Jordan De Goey (31 disposals) and Chris Mayne (26 disposals) found plenty of it, while Ollie Henry (three goals, seven marks) had a breakout game.
Josh Thomas was subbed out of the match in the first quarter with concussion, while the Blues have looked to escape any serious injury despite multiple players receiving treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Head-to-head streak snapped
Carlton fans will be breathing a sigh of relief after they evened up the overall head to head battle at 128 wins apiece and four draws.
Not only that, but the victory marks the first time Carlton has beaten its traditional rivals since 2017, and just the third time in their last 15 attempts.
While that will please Carlton fans, perhaps the club’s players and coaching staff will be most happy about how they did it.
It was the first time the Blues had come from behind at three-quarter time this year to win, having failed at every other occasion.
While finals might be just out of reach, this effort could be one they use to build on going forward.
Young stars ignite Blues push
When the game was there to be won, Sam Walsh and Harry McKay stood up.
Walsh made his touches count in the final 30 minutes, with his nine disposals including a stunning goal, three centre clearances and an inside 50.
Sam Walsh. Extraordinary.#AFLPiesBlues pic.twitter.com/TOBNdBmdcD
— AFL (@AFL) July 18, 2021
Up forward, McKay took control of the game after being well held prior to that, with the big man kicking four goals from four big grabs.
Carlton have their young duo to thank for this one.
What’s next?
At this stage Collingwood are scheduled to face Port Adelaide away on Friday night while Carlton meet North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
FULL SCORE
Collingwood: 3.2, 6.4, 9.5, 9.8. (62)
Carlton: 1.3, 4.6, 7.9, 13.13. (91)
GOALS
Collingwood: Henry 3, Elliott, Mihocek, Bianco, Cameron, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom
Carlton: McKay 4, Betts 2, Martin, Walsh, De Koning, Kennedy, Silvagni, Stocker, Williams
BEST
Collingwood: Jordan De Goey, Chris Mayne, John Noble, Jamie Elliott, Oliver Henry
Carlton : Sam Walsh, Matt Kennedy, Jacob Weitering, Harry McKay, Jack Martin, Ed Curnow
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