Collingwood have made a winning start to life under rookie coach Nathan Buckley after defeating the Western Bulldogs by seven points in Game 2 of the triple header at Blacktown International Sportspark.
The Pies led by two points at the end of a low-scoring first half and kicked three-goals-to-two in an equally willing second half to secure a hard-fought 0.4.2 (26) to 0.3.1 (19) victory.
Young-gun Marley Williams starred with two goals while Dale Thomas (11 touches) and reigning Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan (one goal, 10 possessions) both had a major influence on the contest.
It wasn't all good news for Collingwood, with Brent Macaffer suffering an injury to his left leg midway through the first half.
Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd (one goal, 20 possessions) capped a strong night after also starring in his side's six-point win over GWS in the opening game, while Robert Murphy (15) was also in good touch.
It was a willing start from both sides but the Bulldogs struck the first significant blow on the scoreboard when Boyd connected from an acute angle on seven minutes.
The arm-wrestle continued for the remainder of the opening stanza before Chris Dawes won the race to the ball and goaled from close range in the shadows of half-time to lead by two at the break.
Williams extended the Pies' advantage with a 30m snap shot that wobbled through in the seventh minute, but Liam Jones hit back almost immediately to make it a one-point game.
A moment of class from Swan restored Collingwood's seven-point buffer midway through the half.
But the 'Dogs refused to go away, Daniel Giansiracusa providing an opportunistic goal in the 12th minute when he crumbed the loose ball and split the sticks from 30m.
Swan imposed his will on the contest soon after when found Williams with a bullet pass.
The rookie calmly stepped up and split the sticks from 50m to secure the four competition points for the Pies.
COLLINGWOOD: 0.1.2, 0.4.2 (26)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 0.1.0, 0.3.1 (19)
GOALS: COLLINGWOOD: Williams 2, Dawes, Swan,
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Boyd, Jones, Giansiracusa,
BEST: COLLINGWOOD: Thomas, Swan, Shaw, Williams,
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Boyd, Murphy, Howard, Giansiracusa,
INJURIES: COLLINGWOOD: Macaffer (ankle),
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
UMPIRES: Grun, Ryan, Harris
CROWD: 7,086 at Blacktown International Sportspark