Collingwood’s VFL side kept the Magpie Army on their toes when securing their third win of the season, with Ned Long orchestrating an incredible comeback in the 12-point win over Casey.

With the young Pie having not played any VFL games since 2024, Long approached Saturday’s win with utter professionalism as he helped to lead VFL Senior Coach Matt Lokan’s young men to their first win since Round 5.

Casey didn’t take long to kick off the day, kicking the first goal of the afternoon within the opening minute.

VFL recruit Xavier Laverty was quick to return serve, kicking his own major before it was all Casey – laying on four unanswered goals before Laverty responded with his second to end the first term.

The second quarter was a seesaw affair, with neither side unable to make any real impact. Collingwood peppered, with Laverty, Jai Saxena, Charlie West and Max Mahoney all kicking behinds.

While the inaccuracy could’ve been more costly, Collingwood’s defenders were able to keep Casey in check, with the Demons only able to secure one major themselves before entering the half time break as 21-point leaders.

The Pies flicked the switch in the third however, with former North Melbourne AFL player Will Phillps – who co-captained the side alongside Josh Browne in the absence of injured VFL Co-Captains Brady Grey and Ben De Bolfo – kicking a goal at the 47-second mark of the second half.

Following two quick Casey goals it was all Collingwood, with Harry DeMattia, Zac McCarthy, Saxena and Browne all contributing to bring the Pies back within three points at the final break.

Long was key in the Pies’ engine room, having 13 disposals alone in the third quarter to bring the momentum to Collingwood before the final term.

The fourth quarter was all Collingwood, with defender Jakob Ryan integral in the Pies’ defence to not allow the technical away side to put the game back on their terms.

Goals to Mahoney and DeMattia helped seal the deal, with the Pies coming away from their home clash at Casey with a much needed four points to kick off the King’s Birthday long weekend.

MATCH CENTRE: COLLINGWOOD V CASEY

06:02

VFL highlights: Collingwood v Casey

See all the highlights from Collingwood's thrilling VFL comeback win over Casey.

The numbers:

Ned Long wasted no time to prove his on-field abilities, finishing his afternoon with 33 disposals, 10 clearances and seven tackles.

Defenders Jakob Ryan (26 disposals, nine intercepts) and Tew Jiath (23 disposals, six intercepts) impressed, while former VFL Premiership Demon Taj Woewodin (17 disposals, 10 marks) got bragging rights over his former side.

Reigning Club VFL Best and Fairest winner Harry DeMattia returned to his best, finishing with 23 disposals and 10 inside-50s along with his two goals, while Xavier Laverty also finished with two majors.

Collingwood will reset and recharge as they head into a BYE.

COLLINGWOOD       2.1      2.7       7.9       9.14     (68)
CASEY                       5.3      6.4       8.6        8.8      (56)

GOALS:
COLLINGWOOD: Xavier Laverty (2), Harry DeMattia (2), Jai Saxena, Will Phillips, Zac McCarthy, Max Mahoney, Josh Browne
CASEY: Jake Melksham (2), Kalani White, Toby Sinnema, Jobe Scapin, Ricky Metha, Max Mapley, Matthew Jefferson