Magpies Reign Supreme | Thebigtip

In an all too familiar fashion, it was again the Collingwood Magpies standing on the podium and hoisting the cup upwards in victory. Collingwood have claimed the NAB Cup trophy after a thrilling match that saw them down a fast-finishing Essendon unit by only 22 points in the Pre-Season Grand Final.

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Essendon: 0.2.2.14, 0.3.4.22, 0.9.5.59, 0.13.8.86
Collingwood: 0.3.4.22, 0.7.6.48, 1.11.7.82, 1.15.9.108

The game began as an even contest with Collingwood only managing a slender margin of 8 points at the first break. It was in the second term where Collingwood took the game head on and broke away from an inaccurate and uninspired Essendon outfit.

With Collingwood dominating, new coach James Hird pulled some magic out of the bag as Essendon managed to open the door and come straight back into the game. Umpiring decisions were going the way of the Bombers, though the party was soon pooped with Collingwood's late goals keeping the Bombers at bay, including a snap by Travis Cloke on the three quarter time siren to have the Magpies up by 23 points.

Early goals at the start of the fourth quarter to Michael Hurley and Jobe Watson had the Bombers within 11 points with 15:55 still on the clock. Hille missed an early chance to cut the margin to only five points followed by a behind to Hurley. Although the Bombers were able to keep the ball in their forward half, they were unable to capitalise on the amount of possession they managed on the scoreboard until Hurley put through his third goal of the night to reduce the margin to only three points.

However, Dale Thomas steadied the ship for Collingwood with a long goal from 45m out and began a flurry of quick Magpie goals in quick concession, leading Collingwood to their second Premiership in six months.

Magpie Heath Shaw earned the Michael Tuck medal for best on ground thanks to his 25 touches from the backline which was under siege in an important period during the game. Collingwood's Leon Davis was also magnificent at times and costly at others in his not-so-familiar role in the midfield. As he has done throughout the pre-season, Andrew Krakouer continued his great form with three goals.

Young Bomber Michael Hurley was very impressive in the losing line-up, contributing 3 goals on veteran defender Chris Tarrant. Jobe Watson was inspirational with 19 touches and 2 goals along with Angus Monfries who also added 3 goals on the board for Essendon.

Despite having little to show from an excellent pre-season, the Bombers can rest easy after pushing a strong Collingwood team to their limit. Essendon have been very impressive during the pre-season and issues that plagued them in the 2010 season look to have been cut back.

There's no doubt that Collingwood are destined for great things after claiming both the day and night Premierships. There's no telling what the future holds for this line-up of talented and passionate players who have again earned another piece of silverware.