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 (first quarter): 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 (first quarter): 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 (second quarter): 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 (third quarter): 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 (fourth quarter): 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.
Darcy Moore raises his arms in the air to celebrate Collingwood’s win, while his opponent Joe Daniher is dejected on the final siren.Credit: Getty
The key duels of the 2023 AFL grand final
By Marc McGowan
These were the match-ups that proved decisive in the grand final.
1. Joe Daniher v Darcy Moore: Smokin’ Joe comfortably took the honours on this occasion, but also didn’t rip the game apart, despite barely being out of the action from the outset. Missed the chance to kick his third goal from a gettable set shot in the final term, but made good with an around-the-body attempt in the final two minutes to cut the lead to four points. Moore finished with only seven touches and two marks, compared to Daniher’s 16 disposals and eight marks.
Collingwood veterans Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury became dual premiership players for their club.Credit: Getty
2. Scott Pendlebury v Lachie Neale: The Collingwood champion went head-to-head with Brisbane’s dual Brownlow medallist in the second half, and it was Pendlebury who emerged as a key factor in the Pies’ thrilling win. The 35-year-old legend won 10 of his 23 disposals in the fourth quarter, after slotting a critical goal a term earlier, and added six clearances (four from the centre). Neale never looked his dominant self, ending with 21 touches and five clearances.
3. Bobby Hill v Brandon Starcevich: Conor McKenna spent more time on Hill than Starcevich in the Pie’s four-goal first half, but Starcevich was the stepladder for the Norm Smith medallist’s skyscraping mark, then barely left the ex-Giant’s side after half-time. Hill missed two set shots in the second half but laced out Scott Pendlebury for a goal assist and caught Starcevich holding the ball on another occasion.
4. Charlie Cameron v Brayden Maynard: Maynard did a fabulous job for most of the day on Cameron, but lost his feet in a contest deep inside 50m in the fourth quarter – and the All-Australian small forward capitalised with his third goal to briefly put the Lions in front. Cameron didn’t touch the Sherrin in the first term but burst to life with two goals in the second quarter. Outside of those periods, Maynard was well on top and did a better job than the numbers suggest.
Harris Andrews flies in front of opponent Billy Frampton (rear) reels in a great pack mark for Brisbane.Credit: Getty
5. Billy Frampton v Harris Andrews: Frampton’s first touch of the game was a soccer at goal in the first minute of the third term that went for a behind. But Andrews had only five himself to half-time. The mission for the Magpie who replaced Dan McStay was obvious: don’t leave Andrews’ side and quell him at all costs. Frampton dropped a sitter on the lead in the third quarter, and Andrews took three telling intercept marks in the final term.
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