Essendon's AFL season remains alive but Collingwood's is all but over after the Bombers prevailed by 37 points in a fierce MCG contest.
The Dons led at every break on Saturday and pressed their advantage in the final quarter to claim an 18.9 (117) to 12.8 (80) victory, keeping them in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
Orazio Fantasia led the way with five goals while David Zaharakis, Michael Hurley and Tom Bellchambers were all important.
The defeat leaves the Magpies stranded in the bottom four, with just five wins and 10 losses.
Coach Nathan Buckley continues to be under massive pressure.
"We just didn't work hard in defence, and some of our offensive turnovers would have really hurt," Buckley said.
"For periods there, we looked like we would get back in the game but then we just couldn't maintain or control the ball with any fluency or efficiency."
Adding to Collingwood's woes, midfielder Levi Greenwood faces suspension for a behind-play hit on Zach Merrett.
Greenwood is certain to be scrutinised by the match review panel after elbowing Merrett in the jaw in the third quarter.
The star youngster briefly went to the Essendon rooms but returned to finish with 25 disposals and two goals.
"We'll wait and let that run its course but luckily Zach's pulled up pretty well," Bombers coach John Worsfold said.
"He had an impact as soon as he came back on so it was a credit to him."
The Bombers earned a 27-point halftime lead, before Collingwood briefly took control during the fiery third term.
Consecutive goals to Jordan De Goey, Alex Fasolo and Taylor Adams cut the margin to 16 points to give the Pies hope.
But the Pies couldn't sustain the pressure, allowing the Bombers to score easily either side of the final break.
Magpies high-flyer Jeremy Howe was a late withdrawal after suffering calf tightness, joining key forward Darcy Moore on the sidelines.
Buckley said the pair were no certainty to return for next Saturday's clash with Gold Coast.
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