Pies keep top-four chances alive with thrilling Melbourne win

COLLINGWOOD has taken a step closer to a top-four finish, winning in a nail-biter against Melbourne by six points on Friday night at the MCG.

COLLINGWOOD has taken a step closer to a top-four finish, winning in a nail-biter against Melbourne by six points on Friday night at the MCG.

The Magpies survived a scare from a gutsy Demons side which came into the game with nothing to lose, coming from behind to win 11.16 (82) to 11.10 (76) in front of a crowd of 60,611.

Collingwood kicked four goals to one in the final quarter with small forwards Lachie Schultz (16 disposal, two goals) and Jamie Elliott (15 disposals, two goals) helping get their side over the line on a night where the Magpies’ inaccuracy in front of goal nearly cost them the game and a top-four spot.

The win moves the Magpies into third place on the ladder, and potentially gives them a double chance.

The win over Melbourne saw the Magpies end a three-game losing streak after losses to Brisbane, Hawthorn and Adelaide.

Melbourne fans will be pleased with their side’s efforts as it finished what has been a disappointing season.

The club now looks towards 2026 and a fresh start under a new coach as it resets and prepares to go again after missing finals for the second season in a row.

More to come

COLLINGWOOD          2.7     6.10      7.13     11.16 (82)
MELBOURNE               3.0      5.3      10.5      11.10 (76)

GOALS
Collingwood: Schultz 2, Elliott 2, Sidebottom, Mihocek, McStay, Maynard, Long, De Goey, Crisp
Melbourne: Fritsch 3, Pickett 2, Melksham 2, van Rooyen, Petty, Petracca, Langford

INJURIES
Collingwood: Howe (groin)
Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Roan Steele (replaced Jeremy Howe in the second quarter)
Melbourne: Harry Sharp (replaced Jai Culley in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 60,611 at the MCG