Brisbane vs Collingwood: Lions Roar into the 2025 AFL Grand Final
Australian rules football has always been about passion, resilience, and unforgettable rivalries. Few contests capture that better than a Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies clash. On September 20, 2025, fans were treated to yet another classic when the Lions stormed past the reigning premiers Collingwood in the AFL Preliminary Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In front of a roaring crowd of over 96,000, Brisbane proved too strong, winning 15.10 (100) to Collingwood’s 11.5 (71).
This victory not only secures Brisbane a place in their third consecutive AFL Grand Final but also marks a symbolic moment of redemption after years of heartbreak against Collingwood. The storyline was full of drama—star performances, injuries, controversial umpiring calls, and a youthful spark that suggests Brisbane’s dynasty is only beginning.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
Collingwood and Brisbane share a rich finals rivalry stretching back more than two decades. The early 2000s featured iconic Grand Finals where Brisbane often had the upper hand, cementing the Lions’ legacy. More recently, the 2023 Grand Final saw Collingwood narrowly defeat Brisbane, adding fuel to this modern rivalry.
This semi-modern rivalry isn’t just about results. It represents two different cultures of footy: Collingwood, with its historic working-class identity and a massive supporter base, and Brisbane, a Queensland powerhouse that has steadily turned into a modern-day contender with back-to-back finals campaigns. Saturday’s game added another thrilling chapter.
First Half: Tension and Missed Chances
The match began with intensity. Collingwood fans filled the MCG with their trademark “Go Pies” chants, while Brisbane supporters traveled in huge numbers, confident their side had what it takes to silence the reigning premiers.
Collingwood looked sharp early, moving the ball cleanly through the midfield. Jamie Elliott gave them a strong forward target, kicking goals and lifting the atmosphere. But the Magpies’ momentum was dealt a crushing blow within minutes when veteran skipper Scott Pendlebury hobbled off with a calf injury. His absence left a leadership vacuum and robbed the midfield of calm decision-making under pressure.
Brisbane stayed patient. The Lions didn’t dominate the opening half, but they kept within striking distance. Hugh McCluggage’s work at stoppages was already proving crucial, and young forward Ty Gallop, playing just his fifth senior match, slotted an important goal to steady the ship. At halftime, Collingwood clung to a slender lead, but the game was wide open.
Third Quarter: The Lions’ Roar
If finals footy is about seizing the moment, Brisbane did exactly that in the third quarter. With the midfield lifting its intensity, the Lions out-hunted Collingwood at the contest. McCluggage continued his masterclass, ultimately finishing with 37 disposals and 10 clearances. His ability to break tackles and send the ball forward was the turning point.
Will Ashcroft, already a rising star of the competition, added scoreboard pressure with crucial goals. Ty Gallop grew in confidence, finishing the game with three majors that belied his limited experience. Their youthful energy combined with the composure of veterans like Charlie Cameron gave Brisbane a balance Collingwood couldn’t match.
By the final change, the Lions had flipped the scoreboard. Their lead was growing, their confidence soaring, and the Collingwood faithful began to worry that the dream of consecutive premierships was slipping away.
Final Quarter: Drama and Controversy
The last quarter had everything fans love—and sometimes hate—about AFL finals. Collingwood, desperate to stay alive, pushed hard through Nick Daicos and Jamie Elliott. Elliott’s spectacular mark and fourth goal gave the Magpies a sniff, and momentum briefly shifted.
Then came the moment that will dominate post-match discussions. Elliott appeared to be impeded in a marking contest near goal, with many expecting a free kick. The umpires let play continue, and Brisbane immediately counter-attacked, scoring to stretch their lead. Instead of a Collingwood revival, the Lions piled on four unanswered goals.
For Brisbane, this was the killer blow. The Lions stormed to a 29-point win, silencing the Collingwood crowd and booking their ticket to the 2025 Grand Final.
Standout Performers
Hugh McCluggage – The Midfield Maestro
Few players embody consistency like Hugh McCluggage, but this match elevated him into finals folklore. His 37 disposals, 10 clearances, and countless smart decisions under pressure made him the most influential player on the ground.
Ty Gallop – A Star is Born
At just five games into his AFL career, Gallop was fearless. His three goals on a massive stage showed Brisbane fans that their forward line has depth for years to come.
Will Ashcroft – Rising Star
Ashcroft continues to grow in stature. He not only impacted the scoreboard but also linked beautifully with McCluggage, giving Brisbane’s midfield an extra dimension.
Jamie Elliott – Collingwood’s Lone Spark
Despite the loss, Elliott deserves credit for his four goals and highlight-reel mark. He kept Collingwood competitive when others struggled to rise to the occasion.
Nick Daicos – Tireless Effort
The young Magpie gave his all, but without Pendlebury’s leadership and support around stoppages, his influence was blunted in the second half.
Injuries and Concerns
Both sides left the match with concerns. For Collingwood, Pendlebury’s calf injury cast a shadow over their campaign, and his absence was glaring. For Brisbane, the focus now shifts to captain Lachie Neale, who battled a calf issue, and Jarrod Berry, who dislocated his shoulder. With the Grand Final looming, Brisbane’s medical team will be under pressure to have their stars fit and firing.
The Bigger Picture
Brisbane’s Redemption
Two years ago, Brisbane lost a Grand Final to Collingwood by just four points. Tonight’s victory was more than just a pathway to the premiership decider—it was symbolic redemption. The Lions have shown resilience in bouncing back, and their mix of youth and experience has them perfectly placed to chase back-to-back flags.
Collingwood’s Reality Check
The Magpies remain one of the most respected and successful clubs in AFL history, but this defeat raises questions. Age is creeping into their list, and injuries to key players highlight the importance of depth. Expect conversations about rebuilding and regenerating their midfield as the off-season unfolds.
A Historic Grand Final Ahead
Brisbane’s win sets up a Grand Final showdown with Geelong—the first time these two clubs will meet on AFL’s biggest stage. Both teams are stacked with talent, and neutral fans are already salivating at the contest. Can Brisbane go back-to-back, or will Geelong spoil the party?
Fan Atmosphere and Reactions
The MCG atmosphere was electric. Over 96,000 spectators brought an energy that only AFL finals can deliver. Brisbane’s traveling fans celebrated wildly at the final siren, while Collingwood supporters were left stunned, many voicing frustration about the controversial non-call in the last quarter.
Social media was abuzz, with hashtags like #AFLLions, #Collingwood, and #PrelimFinal trending across Australia. Opinions ranged from praise for Brisbane’s resilience to heated debates about umpiring consistency.
Looking Ahead
Brisbane now has a week to prepare for the AFL Grand Final. Coach Chris Fagan faces selection dilemmas depending on Neale and Berry’s fitness. The Lions will rely on their midfield dominance, forward potency, and youthful depth to challenge Geelong.
For Collingwood, the off-season begins with hard questions. Do they refresh the list? How do they manage the aging stars? And can they regroup to remain contenders in 2026?
Final Thoughts
The Brisbane vs Collingwood preliminary final of 2025 will be remembered as a game of moments: McCluggage’s brilliance, Gallop’s breakout, Pendlebury’s heartbreak, and that controversial umpiring call. For Brisbane fans, it was pure joy—the roar of the Lions echoed around the MCG as they marched toward another shot at glory. For Collingwood, it was a bitter pill, made worse by memories of what might have been.
As the AFL world now turns its attention to the Grand Final, one thing is certain: the Lions are ready, and after conquering their fiercest rivals, they carry both momentum and belief. Whether history will smile on them again remains to be seen, but for now, Brisbane are kings of the jungle.
