Match Report: Collingwood Marches into the Preliminary Final After Overcoming Fierce Opposition
Collingwood has secured its place in the AFL Preliminary Final after a commanding performance saw them outlast a determined opponent in a thrilling finals clash on Friday night. The Magpies, playing in front of a roaring crowd at the MCG, showed poise, grit, and class when it mattered most, booking their ticket to the penultimate round of the competition.
From the opening bounce, the intensity was palpable. The match lived up to its billing as a classic finals contest, with both sides applying relentless pressure and refusing to concede ground easily. However, it was Collingwood’s composure in key moments and their superior ball movement that proved to be the difference as they pulled away late in the second half to notch a well-deserved victory.
Leading the charge for the Magpies was captain Darcy Moore, whose leadership and aerial dominance in defence were crucial. His intercept marks and ability to organize the backline helped steady the ship when the game threatened to tip in the opposition’s favour. Meanwhile, Jordan De Goey played one of his best finals games to date, collecting 27 disposals, kicking two goals, and consistently creating opportunities forward of centre.
Coach Craig McRae praised his side’s resilience post-match.
> “This group never stops believing. We knew it would be a fight, and the boys stood up when it counted. There’s still a job to do, but we’ll take a moment to enjoy this before we turn our attention to next week.”
The match was tightly contested for most of the first half, with both teams exchanging goals and momentum swings. At the main break, Collingwood held a slender lead, and questions lingered about whether they could maintain their tempo against such fierce resistance. But the third quarter, often referred to as the “premiership quarter,” belonged firmly to the Magpies. They outscored their opponents by four goals to one, showcasing their trademark ability to transition quickly from defence to attack.
Nick Daicos, returning from injury, was another standout, slotting seamlessly back into the midfield rotation and reminding fans of his elite vision and decision-making under pressure. His inclusion added spark and composure through the centre, elevating the team’s overall performance.
The final siren sparked scenes of jubilation as the black-and-white army celebrated their team’s advance to the Preliminary Final. With one more hurdle before a potential Grand Final berth, Collingwood’s hopes of premiership glory remain well and truly alive.
