AFL: Collingwood sink Carlton to 0-4 with scrappy win

Carlton’s season has gone from bad to worse, slumping to 0-4 after a 17-point loss to Collingwood in front of 82,058 fans at the MCG on Thursday night in the opening match of Round 4 of the 2025 AFL season.

The Blues led at half-time for the fourth straight game but were again overrun, managing just two goals in the second half as the Magpies powered to an 8.15 (63) to 6.10 (46) win in slippery conditions.

Collingwood piled on four unanswered goals in the third quarter, with Lachie Schultz kicking two and earning the Richard Pratt Medal for best afield. Nick Daicos came to life after half-time, while Jordan De Goey kicked two crucial goals before being subbed out as a precaution.

The Blues’ second-half woes continue to define their season. They’ve now been outscored by 29.20 to 10.13 after half-time across four rounds — a pattern that reflects both mental and structural issues.

Carlton’s early energy came via Ollie Hollands and Patrick Cripps, but as the pressure mounted and conditions worsened, their ball movement became erratic. Sam Walsh was kept to just three disposals in the third quarter after a strong first half.

Debutant Will White missed two early chances, and Lachie Cowan was subbed out with a hamstring injury before quarter time. Fogarty played on after copping a high bump from Collingwood’s Dan Houston — an incident that will likely draw MRO attention.

While Collingwood’s goalkicking remains inconsistent — they’ve now kicked inaccurately in three of four games — their defensive system and contested work after half-time were first class. They won the inside-50 count and contested ball when it mattered most.

Carlton now face the daunting task of resurrecting a season that’s quickly slipping away. Only seven teams in VFL/AFL history have reached finals from 0-4, and based on their form, Carlton doesn’t look close.

Collingwood improves to 3-1 and will face Sydney next week in Adelaide full of momentum.

Following the win, Collingwood are now $10 chances to win the 2025 Premiership with top sports bookmakers.

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