Greater Western Sydney overcame a slow start and two early concussions to defeat Collingwood by three points in Saturday’s thrilling AFL match at Spotless Stadium.

Steve Johnson crumbed a goal in the final minute of the game as the Giants triumphed 15.12 (102) to 15.9 (99).

The Magpies kicked six consecutive goals to boast a 26-point lead at quarter-time; they outplayed and led GWS for much of a scrappy final term, before Johnson read a marking contest magically to snatch victory.

Despite his side’s improved effort, the pressure on Magpies coach Nathan Buckley is unlikely to wane. Collingwood managed only 16 tackles in the first half and sit 16th on the ladder.

GWS key forward Jeremy Cameron booted six goals in his club’s first win over over Collingwood, which came after a see-sawing third quarter that featured seven lead changes.

Cameron leads the 2017 Coleman medal race with 28 goals. GWS midfielders Dylan Shiel and Josh Kelly were also heavily influential in the result.

The Giants’ sixth win of the season was all the more impressive because Aidan Corr and Sam Reid were both knocked out early in the round-eight contest.

Stephen Coniglio limped off with an ankle injury in the final quarter, leaving GWS with just one fit man on the bench in a frantic finish.

Corr’s head hit the turf at a nasty angle in the opening minute of the game. The defender went back with the flight of the ball, took the mark then tangled legs with teammate Phil Davis.

Reid was accidentally cleaned up when he attempted to tackle Collingwood’s Levi Greenwood early in the second term.

Steele Sidebottom tallied 24 disposals and kicked three goals for the visitors, including a goal-of-the-year contender deep in the pocket that Peter Daicos would have been proud of.