Collingwood Survives Melbourne Scare in MCG Thriller
It was a Friday night that reminded everyone why the AFL can be so gripping. At the MCG, Collingwood was pushed to the limit but ultimately clawed their way back to secure a nail-biting win over Melbourne. The victory came at a critical time for the Magpies, who had been struggling to find form, losing five of their past six games. With finals looming, the pressure on Craig McRae’s men was enormous, and the stakes could not have been higher.
Melbourne entered the contest with nothing left to play for but pride. Their season had been one to forget, sitting at 7–15 heading into their final match of 2025. Still, the Demons were determined not to roll over easily. They made no changes to their side, while Collingwood welcomed back Jeremy Howe for some much-needed experience in defence, alongside debutant Roan Steele who was handed a chance on the big stage.
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From the opening bounce, it was clear this was going to be a tough and tense battle. Collingwood, desperate to lock in a top-four spot and a double chance in September, threw themselves into every contest. But Melbourne, perhaps free from the weight of expectation, looked loose and confident. By three-quarter time, the Demons had surged ahead, booting five goals to one in the third term. Suddenly, Collingwood’s season was hanging by a thread.
The final quarter was nothing short of dramatic. Christian Petracca struck early for the Demons, stretching the margin and silencing parts of the Magpie Army. But Collingwood refused to go away. Ned Long produced a stunning boundary goal to spark belief, and Jamie Elliott did what Jamie Elliott so often does — standing tall in the clutch moments. His goal kept the Pies within striking distance.
Then came the turning point. A poor turnover from Melbourne’s back half gifted Collingwood an opening, and Lachie Schultz made no mistake, drilling his shot to send the black-and-white fans into a frenzy. Minutes later, Dan McStay stood strong under pressure, taking a contested mark and calmly converting. The Pies had regained the lead with only moments left on the clock.
In the end, composure was the difference. Melbourne’s ball use faltered just when it mattered most, while Collingwood showed the kind of ruthlessness that had been missing in recent weeks. The final siren confirmed it: the Magpies had survived, 82–75, in front of more than 60,000 fans.
The result not only steadied Collingwood’s season but also gave their supporters renewed hope heading into the finals. Melbourne, meanwhile, bowed out with plenty of fight, even if the year had not gone their way. For Collingwood, the challenge ahead is still daunting, but the way they held their nerve under immense pressure was a reminder of why they remain one of the competition’s genuine threats.
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