Demons Fight Back in Thriller as Magpies Hold On in Big Freeze Classic
What a game we witnessed today at the MCG — a genuine King’s Birthday blockbuster that had everything AFL fans could hope for. Melbourne and Collingwood went toe-to-toe in a Round 13 clash that lived up to the hype, with the Magpies edging the Demons by the slimmest of margins in a pulsating contest that was as much about emotion and community as it was about football.
This was no ordinary game. With over 85,000 fans packing the stands, Big Freeze 11 once again proved to be one of the most powerful events on the AFL calendar, uniting the footy world in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. But once the slide finished and the ball was bounced, the intensity was undeniable.
Collingwood came into the game looking composed, efficient and clinical, and for a while, it looked like they might run away with it. Their defensive setup, led by Jeremy Howe, was dominant, intercepting Melbourne’s predictable long entries. Early goals from Brodie Mihocek and Ned Long off turnovers pushed the Pies to a 20-point lead midway through the third quarter. Melbourne, meanwhile, struggled to break through the wall and lacked composure going forward.
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But then, as we’ve seen before, momentum swung. The Demons refused to lie down. Jake Melksham got them going again with a clean lead and goal. Bailey Fritsch lit up the forward line with two electric goals — one a brilliant snap from the boundary, and another after drawing a 50m penalty from Billy Frampton. Harrison Petty chimed in just before the final break, converting a free kick to close the gap to just seven points.
Still, the Magpies always had a reply. Bobby Hill, celebrating his 100th game, showed why he’s such an X-factor. His goal from just inside 50 after a free kick helped Collingwood hold off the surging Dees, even as they were outplayed in parts of that third term.
Nick Daicos, cool under pressure, nailed a critical goal after a costly 50m penalty gifted to him by Pickett’s lapse in judgement. That moment proved telling — the kind of error that can split games like these wide open.
Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver did all they could to lift Melbourne, grinding for every possession. But as the final siren neared, the Demons couldn’t quite complete the comeback. The Magpies were simply more efficient with fewer entries, making their moments count. Darcy Cameron played through a blood rule, showing real grit, and the Pies' backline held firm under pressure.
In the end, Collingwood walk away with the four points, but Melbourne’s fight was just as memorable. This wasn’t just a football match — it was a celebration of resilience, community spirit, and everything that makes Aussie Rules footy special.
And if today’s game is any indication, don’t count either of these teams out come September.
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