SNAPSHOT OF THE COLLINGWOOD-GEELONG AFL QUALIFYING FINAL
* Result: Collingwood 9.7 (61) bt 7.9 (51) in front of 93,436 at the MCG.
* The lowdown: Collingwood’s fast start – they broke out to a 36-point lead in the second term – was critical as they ended the game two men down on the bench. Geelong’s selection gamble, where ruckman Rhys Stanley was a late withdrawal, backfired badly and All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy had a field day.
* Key moment: With 40 seconds left, key forward Tom Hawkins had a snap at goal to bring Geelong within a kick of an unlikely win. But he missed – he sprayed 0.4 for the game – and it was their last shot.
* Key stats: Collingwood’s pressure was outstanding and they won the tackle count 95-74.
* Injuries: Levi Greenwood did not return after halftime after suffering a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury. Potentially an even bigger blow for the Magpies is star forward Jordan De Goey suffering hamstring tightness in his first game back after six weeks on the sidelines. Geelong midfielder Mitch Duncan suffered a medial ligament injury and is highly unlikely for next week’s semi-final clash with the Eagles.
* Key quote: “We set the game up the way we wanted to early and we were able to continue and maintain the rage through the whole four quarters.” – Magpies coach Nathan Buckley, who hailed his side’s “fantastic” defensive efforts.
* What’s next? Collingwood have the week off ahead of a preliminary final. The Cats, whose finals record since their 2011 premiership is now 3-10, host reigning premiers West Coast in a sudden-death semi-final.
