IT WAS a familiar story for Carlton, who fell by five points to Collingwood in the 31st Peter Mac Cup.
Despite once again leading for the majority of the contest, a three-quarter-time lead was whittled away, with the Blues conceding seven final-quarter goals in the 12.11 (83) to 13.10 (88) defeat.
On a night where the Blues lead for essentially the entirety of the middle two quarters, it was a last-quarter blitz from the Pies which put the Blues on the back foot, seeing an 18-point lead turned into a 13-point last-quarter deficit.
The Blues fought back late and had the chance to level the scores with the final kick of the game, but a post-siren set shot from youngster Talor Byrne drifted agonisingly wide in another narrow loss.
Sam Walsh drove his side forward all night with 28 disposals and seven tackles, while Nic Newman continued his strong return to the elite level with 24 disposals.
The Blues got the early jump as the returning Will Hayward looked dangerous early with six disposals and a goal, before the Pies started to get on top and dominate possession, ending the first term with +33 uncontested possessions.
Nic Newman (seven disposals) and Nick Haynes (six disposals) were working overtime down back, before Brodie Kemp gave the Blues just what they needed on quarter time with a contested mark and snap to bring his team within one point.
There was a bright start to the second term, as Carlton kicked three goals inside seven minutes as Harry McKay looked increasingly dangerous as a forward target.
Jacob Weitering was a much-welcomed addition behind the ball, as the Blues had to hold on late as the Pies started to get on top but missed gettable opportunities.
The story of the first half - which saw the Blues lead by 14 points at the main break - was that the Blues looked like scoring every time they went forward, with 11 scoring shots coming from just 17 forward entries.
Carlton carried the momentum into the second half with a Mitch McGovern goal inside the opening minutes, before chances started to go begging.
Ben Ainsworth was typically classy with ball in hand, while Walsh was prolific and drove his side out of congestion.
After an error-riddled third term, a late Francis Evans goal after a holding-the-ball free kick gave Carlton a three-goal lead.
However, that lead faded inside four minutes of game time in the final term, with the Pies piling on seven of the first eight last quarter goals.
McKay didn’t return to the ground after a head knock, but despite late goals from McGovern and Matthew Carroll, it was more late heartbreak for Carlton.
CARLTON 2.3 6.5 9.9 12.11 (83)
COLLINGWOOD 2.4 3.9 6.9 13.10 (88)
GOALS
Carlton: McGovern 3, Ainsworth 2, Carroll 2, Kemp 2, Evans, Hayward, McKay
