Playing at Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane in front of a massive crowd, the Bendigo Bombers led at each break on the way to a hard-fought 12.12 (84) to 10.16 (76) victory.

The Magpies’ side was stacked with talent, with all 22 who took the field Collingwood-listed players.

Such was the strength of the Collingwood side, there was no room for Magpies’ VFL skipper Kris Pendlebury.

The Bombers – who failed to win a game last year – now boast a 9-7 record with two rounds remaining in what has been a season of stunning improvement under new coach Shannon Grant.

“The boys played extremely well today,’’ Grant said.

“With who Collingwood had playing for them, in terms of the development of our young players, today is probably worth seven or eight games at VFL level.

“I thought the boys really applied themselves well all day.’’

The Bombers were never headed from the 23-minute mark of the first term.

Bendigo led by as many as 31 points in the third quarter, but had to withstand a strong surge from Collingwood, which had entered the game in sixth position.

The Magpies closed to within a kick during the final term, but for the second week in a row the Bombers were able to hold their nerve against a side above them on the ladder.

The Bombers didn’t get through unscathed though, with captain James Flaherty (corked calf) and star midfielder Hayden Skipworth (rolled ankle) both ending the game injured on the bench.

However, both should be right to play against Coburg this week.