AFL LIVE: Collingwood Magpies, Brisbane Lions battle for finals places in MCG showdown

Brisbane Lions secured a convincing 63-point victory over Collingwood at the MCG, positioning themselves strongly for the top-four in the AFL ladder. The dominant display came after the Lions entered the final round with a 2.2 per cent advantage over the Hawks. Key contributors included Logan Morris, who kicked eight goals, and Irishman Conor McKenna, who scored four goals, including a remarkable dinked goal in the first half and a blind snap from 45 meters in the third quarter.

Coach Chris Fagan expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating they would have taken the win even if offered top-four at the start of the year. Collingwood coach Craig McRae acknowledged Brisbane's superior team performance, noting they had seen a team like Brisbane do "this year." The loss was a difficult watch for McRae, given the lack of defensive pressure.

Despite Collingwood's seven goals in the final term, Brisbane's firepower, led by Morris and McKenna, showcased their potential as they head into finals. For the Pies, this win avoids facing minor premiers Fremantle in Perth and instead faces a challenging wildcard round. Collingwood, desperate for a win, may reconsider resting stars after Pendlebury's knee injury ruled him out, potentially impacting their wildcard match preparations.