Toast Round 24 = Collingwood 82-76 Melbourne

[Vicky Park]

This is a strange season. We’ve had good things happen for us, none more so than Port winning tonight; and a horrible confluence of injuries, Bobby Hill, and our old blokes starting to look very old. And then we do this.

I have no idea what’s in store for us in September, but it could turn our way. Bizarrely I still don’t think Geelong are that good.

We definitely have a pulse, and there are glimpses of what we can be. If we can only put it together more often and for longer - we can still beat anyone.

And next time we play Melbourne CAN WE PLEASE STOP KICKING IT TO WHERE GAWN IS!

 

[JuniorB]

I'd rather play Adelaide. Our long term history is better against them. Even over there, I don't care. We struggle against Geelong. Adelaide will be missing Rankine too, a huge loss for them.

It would be especially satisfying to stick it up the feral Crows supporters.

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

Incredible how the night has played out with us falling over the line and Port producing a miracle win against Gold Coast.

I was despondent at three quarter time in our match and resigned to us missing top 4 and probably losing in the first week of the finals based on our recent form.

Pendles was pivotal to our last quarter comeback. He just rallied us and brought some much needed energy into the team. The fast run and carry in the last quarter reminded me so much of what we used to produce regularly in 2022-2023.

Schultz was excellent as well. After so much criticism last year, he's been a one of the major improvers of 2025 which is great to see. Very pleased for him that he's settled and found his rhythm with us.

The forward line still looks dysfunctional. McStay might have kicked the winner, but some of his brain fades left me scratching my head. He just looks completely out of sorts at the moment, and it makes me wonder whether Cox is the better option going forward.

Based on what others have said and what I've read, we have a double chance now. Not bothered by who our opponent is, I'm just so grateful we have a chance to impact the finals now.

 

[Aussie pie]

Pendles huge in the 4th he’s the man.
McStay needs to be dropped for Cox.
Beau was important in the last also, I hope he ices that foot and stays off it because as much as he’s not a goal kicker he’s very important to us.

Our forward line is terrible at the moment. Put a big Texan down there then we’ll have a least one forward taller than the defenders.

If fly talks about System again tonight I’ll spew up. It’s as bad as when bucks would bring the stats sheet to the presser and spout useless stats. The system isn’t working as we saw when we played different in the last.

 

[Carringbush2010]

Couldn't watch the game, at work, heard bits and pieces (sen) and it sounded like in the 1st like we were all over them but couldn't convert.

Sounds like we had our game back.

But doing the dees by a goal (or 6 behinds) isn't exactly confidence inspiring. So I'm guessing we're not there yet.

Anyone chance we can actually get back to that dominant game in the 1st final? Or is it too much of a switch flick to ask for?

 

[leon123]

Horrible game and we really do look cooked

Thanks Port for the favour and I guess we get to see two finals no matter what but I no longer see us going beyond Week 2

Bitterly disappointing to see us put up a performance like that when Top 4 is on the line

Never know ya luck in the big smoke

 

[Mollythedolly]

Doesn’t matter, we are 3rd or 4th and can’t move from there

GWS flog Saints?

 

[crackerss08]

Just got back from the g… the noise the last 15 min was unreal!!
Jdg was huge !! Pendles steadied the ship and Schultz never ran out of effort.. the amount of times players looked to chip sideways with options in the middle was unbelievable… the team lacks confidence and belief…
The forward line was dis functional.. something needs to change if we really want to have a real crack

 

[JuniorB]

This is a strange season. We’ve had good things happen for us, none more so than Port winning tonight; and a horrible confluence of injuries, Bobby Hill, and our old blokes starting to look very old. And then we do this.

I have no idea what’s in store for us in September, but it could turn our way. Bizarrely I still don’t think Geelong are that good.

We definitely have a pulse, and there are glimpses of what we can be. If we can only put it together more often and for longer - we can still beat anyone.

And next time we play Melbourne CAN WE PLEASE STOP KICKING IT TO WHERE GAWN IS!

Your last sentence is bang on the money - it was like we looked where Gawn was, so we could kick it to him.

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

GWS flog Saints?

Shit. You’re right lol

 

[Tarkyn_24]

GWS flog Saints?

A 150-30 result has us marginally ahead on percentage. It would need to be an all timer.

 

[JuniorB]

Couldn't watch the game, at work, heard bits and pieces (sen) and it sounded like in the 1st like we were all over them but couldn't convert.

Sounds like we had our game back.

But doing the dees by a goal (or 6 behinds) isn't exactly confidence inspiring. So I'm guessing we're not there yet.

Anyone chance we can actually get back to that dominant game in the 1st final? Or is it too much of a switch flick to ask for?

It seems like a slow build, but we're still alive.
Who knows?

 

[BigVic]

It's been such a weird season. 2 wins since July 11 and needed the Ken to help us secure a top 4 spot with Port winning by less than a kick an hour later

 

[The Royal Sampler]

Snowflakes chance of staying 4th

Very hardy snowflakes they produce around here…

 

[Sco80]

A 150-30 result has us marginally ahead on percentage. It would need to be an all timer.

What would gws need to win by to surpass our percentage?

 

[PiCkLeJuiCe]

It was still unimpressive, boring football. Fly still hasn't solved the problems. This game style will not threaten any of the other top 8 sides.

Much work to do for Fly over the next fortnight to get it right.

It might require some tough decisions over seemingly "favourite" players

 

[Mortimore 39ers]

Boys and I were on our knees begging and promising Port the world in those last few minutes - prison bars every home game, Magpies naming rights etc. etc.

Called backsies as soon as the siren went

 

[No SPIN]

Did McStay do enough or will Fly still think Cox, is an alternative?

 

[MattD2308]

Lachie Schultz plays every game as if it’s his last. Was worried when he got up from a contest and grabbed his groin. Could have been cramping who knows.

 

[Doc1763]

Did McStay do enough or will Fly still think Cox, is an alternative?

it's going to be a long 2 weeks

 

[Mollythedolly]

A 150-30 result has us marginally ahead on percentage. It would need to be an all timer.

Thanks for that, couldn’t be ****ed doing the math but knew somebody would.

 

[Sco80]

Gee wiz I will laugh very very very very very hard if we somehow fall ass backwards into the top 4 after that

Boy oh boy wowee

Looks like we are going to scrape in

 

[No SPIN]

it's going to be a long 2 weeks

Yes - but what’s the answer to my question ? I couldn’t watch the game.

 

[doofdoof]

Did McStay do enough or will Fly still think Cox, is an alternative?

McStay was awful, until his one mark and goal

 

[Doc1763]

Yes - but what’s the answer to my question ? I couldn’t watch the game.

McStay didn't exactly grab his opportunity with both hands