SOAR TO GLORY: Collingwood Showcases Grit, Class, and Premiership Intent in Electrifying Win That Sends a Thunderous Message to the Rest of the AFL and Solidifies That..

Collingwood Showcases Grit, Class, and Premiership Intent in Electrifying Win That Sends a Thunderous Message to the Rest of the AFL and Solidifies That..

Under the bright lights of the MCG, Collingwood Football Club reminded the AFL why they’re still a force to be feared. In a pulsating performance full of heart, hustle, and high-end skill, the Magpies stormed to a signature victory that could redefine their 2025 campaign.

Against a top-four rival and with their backs to the wall after weeks of scrutiny, Collingwood dug deep, responded to the moment, and delivered a performance that was both fierce and fluid — the kind of win that doesn’t just earn four points but announces premiership intent.

First Quarter Fire, Final Quarter Finish

From the opening bounce, the Magpies set the tone. Led by captain Darcy Moore’s commanding presence in defense and the relentless midfield drive of Nick Daicos, Collingwood turned pressure into dominance. Their ball movement was crisp, their tackling ferocious, and their transition game reminiscent of their best football under coach Craig McRae.

After a neck-and-neck first half, it was in the third and fourth quarters that the Pies pulled away. Jordan De Goey lit up the contest with a pair of explosive goals, while Scott Pendlebury wound back the clock with a vintage 30-possession game, dictating the tempo like a conductor with the baton.

“That’s What We Stand For”

Post-match, a fired-up McRae praised his side’s character.

“That’s the Collingwood brand,” he said. “Tough, connected, never out of the fight. The boys responded brilliantly, and that’s a performance we can build on.”

The crowd, over 85,000 strong, roared with every goal, every smother, every desperate chase. The Magpie Army, so often described as the most passionate in footy, left the stadium with pride in their hearts and a glint of September hope in their eyes.

Finals Feel in April?

Though it’s early in the season, this win feels like more than just a round result. It was a cultural reminder — a flex of muscle and mentality. With injuries still lingering and challenges ahead, this was a critical checkpoint. And Collingwood passed with flying black and white.

If this is the version of the Pies that shows up in September, the rest of the league has been officially put on notice.