Before a single ball was kicked in the King’s Birthday clash at the MCG, drama had already unfolded as Collingwood’s Jack Ginnivan was confirmed out, making room for Reef McInnes. On-field action, however, brimmed with riveting competition.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 03: Jack Ginnivan of the Magpies passes the ball during the round 12 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium, on June 03, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The match began with Melbourne and Collingwood forming a heart-warming guard of honour for Neale Daniher that saw fans rise in applause. But the game was far from ceremonial – a chase-down tackle from Demon Ed Langdon on Jack Crisp set the tone. Yet, Melbourne found it hard to clear their back half, leaving the door wide open for Pat Lipinski to score the first goal of the day.
Collingwood seemed to be gathering momentum, with the Dees losing possession on the wings. This dynamic was accentuated when Brodie Grundy, despite mixed reactions from the crowd, got his hands on the footy, and his team quickly followed up with goals from Jack Crisp and Harvey Harrison.
After a shaky start, Melbourne found their footing through Jack Viney’s first goal. Despite this momentum, the Dees squandered their next few chances. Melbourne ended the first quarter nine points down.
The second quarter began with Bayley Fritsch scoring Melbourne’s second goal, tightening Collingwood’s lead. Mason Cox and Fritsch exchanged goals, and at halftime, despite having a lion’s share of possession, Melbourne trailed 5.4 (34) to 3.8 (26).
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 12: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies remonstrates with Joel Smith of the Demons as Nathan Murphy of the Magpies lays injured during the 2023 AFL Round 13 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 12, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The third quarter saw Melbourne claw back into contention with goals from Joel Smith and Fritsch. A timely goal from Grundy against his former team extended Melbourne’s lead to 12 points. Just as Collingwood was reeling, Beau McCreery struck back with a goal that kept the Pies in the game. Despite the contentious goal, Melbourne entered the final quarter leading 47-41.
The final quarter was an emotional rollercoaster. Collingwood suffered a massive blow with skipper Darcy Moore exiting due to an ankle injury, but Melbourne failed to capitalise, missing several scoring opportunities. Alex Neal-Bullen and Jacob van Rooyen were the saviours for Melbourne, scoring critical goals and opening up a 10-point lead.
In the last five minutes, Collingwood gave it their all, with late goals from Mihocek and Nick Daicos making for an electrifying endgame. However, it was Melbourne that triumphed, hanging on to secure their place in outright third on the AFL ladder.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 12: Darcy Moore and his Magpies team mates look dejected after losing the round 13 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 12, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
This clash had it all – twists, turns, and a nerve-wracking finale that made the King’s Birthday match a day to remember. Despite the missed opportunities and heart-stopping moments, Melbourne showed they have the resilience and grit to prevail.
