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It was an epic grand final with ebbs and flows in every quarter, but in the end Collingwood prevailed over Brisbane by four points. These are the moments that mattered most from the game and will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it.
1. Bailey’s brilliance lights up the ’G
It was one of the best AFL grand final goals ever. In a piece of individual brilliance, Brisbane Lion Zac Bailey lit up the MCG by converting a snap from the left pocket after evading Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy. Bailey smothered Mason Cox’s attempt to kick it clear, then picked up the ball and ran into space, wheeling around the Magpies’ duo, to complete a sublime major. The goal gave the Lions the lead for the first time, putting them up by four points before back-to-back goals from Brody Mihocek and Jordan De Goey.
2. Concussed Murphy out, Lipinski in
Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy received a head knock in the first quarter, leading to a concussion test before the key brick in the Magpies’ defensive wall was subbed off. Murphy’s head was collected by Lincoln McCarthy’s shoulder as both contested the ball, with no malice in the incident. The Magpie looked groggy following the collision and has a history of brain trauma through concussion. He was replaced by Patrick Lipinski, who coach Craig McRae had chosen as the Magpies’ substitute to inject leg-speed later in the game. Murphy’s loss was a huge blow, but the Magpies adjusted quickly with Lipinski having an immediate impact with 102 metres gained in the second term.
3. Hill flies high on grand stage
Bobby Hill was a man made for the moment. You could easily pick any of his four goals for the game’s highlights package, but the hanger taken in the second quarter was something else. The young Magpie flew onto the shoulders of Lions defender Brandon Starcevich and juggled the mark. He then finished it off to the Collingwood fans’ delight, nailing his third goal for the day.
4. Pendlebury kicks first grand final goal
Just when Hill looked like he was going to kick his fifth major, he elected to pass the ball to former skipper and fan favourite Scott Pendlebury instead of taking the set shot. Pendlebury booted the goal from 40 metres out. It was his first goal in his fifth grand final and 383rd game. Not only was it a moment for the Magpie army but an important one in the context of the game, putting his side in front by four points at three-quarter-time.
5. De Goey respond to Cameron potential match winner
There was 22 minutes of play without a goal in the final term before Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron nailed a pearler. He tapped the ball ahead of himself, soccered it lightly to get his balance and then snapped a goal with his left foot to put the Lions in front. But Jordan De Goey responded immediately silencing the Brisbane fans and put gusto back in the Magpie army just two minutes later with a goal down the other end.
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