Daicos-inspired Pies down Eagles to lock in finals spot

Collingwood secured its place in the AFL finals with a hard-fought 19-point victory over West Coast at Optus Stadium on August 9, 2026. The match, played in front of 47,609 fans, saw Brownlow Medal favorite Nick Daicos deliver a standout performance, collecting what should be another three votes in his bid for the award. Despite facing intense marking from West Coast’s Brady Hough, Daicos amassed 39 disposals, 10 clearances, 12 score involvements, 722 meters gained, two goal assists, and a goal. His efforts helped Collingwood maintain composure throughout the final quarter, ultimately securing a 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98) win. The Magpies entered the match having already secured a 34-point lead late in the third quarter, but West Coast, led by injured star midfielder Harley Reid, mounted a spirited comeback. Reid, who suffered a quad injury early in the game, fought valiantly, finishing with 30 disposals, six clearances, and a goal. His contributions were vital during West Coast’s late surge, supported by Elliot Yeo (28 disposals, 11 clearings, one goal) and Jake Waterman (three goals). However, Collingwood’s resilience proved decisive, with the team holding its nerve to claim the win and guarantee a berth in the AFL’s new wildcard round. Collingwood’s victory came despite key absences, including Scott Pendlebury, Jordan De Goey, Jeremy Howe, Harry Perryman, and Patrick Lipinski, who had previously lost to Geelong by 25 points. The absence of these players did not hinder the Magpies, who were bolstered by performances from Josh Daicos, who recorded 35 disposals and a game-high 884 meters gained. Lachie Schultz, Tim Membrey, and Daniel McStay each kicked three goals, contributing significantly to Collingwood’s success. The match was marked by several dramatic moments, including a bone-crunching but fair hit by Eagles defender Brandon Starcevich on Ed Allan, with both players remaining unharmed. In the second quarter, a long bomb by Nick Daicos sparked a three-goal run for Collingwood, helping them enter halftime with a six-point advantage. Daicos continued to dominate in the third term, leading the Magpies to a commanding lead that proved insurmountable. In contrast, West Coast’s performance highlighted both determination and struggle. The Eagles, who had lost nine consecutive games, showed grit, particularly in the opening quarter, where both teams kicked six goals in an entertaining shootout. West Coast’s accurate return of 6.1, excluding a rushed behind, was a notable improvement compared to their 3.17 return against Richmond a week earlier. Yeo’s 50-meter running goal with seconds left in the quarter sent the crowd into a frenzy, and Jack Graham’s true kick on the run gave the Eagles an 11-point lead midway through the second term. Despite the Eagles' efforts, Collingwood’s ability to maintain possession and convert opportunities proved critical. The Magpies’ defense, led by Harris Andrews, held firm, limiting West Coast’s scoring chances. The final score of 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98) underscored Collingwood’s dominance, especially in the latter stages of the game. Meanwhile, in a separate match at the Gabba, Brisbane Lions continued their strong form against Hawthorn, leading at halftime 8.8 (56) to 4.4 (28). Logan Morris, a key figure for the Lions, was instrumental in the victory, recording 4.0 goals from 11 disposals and seven score involvements. His consistent performance, coupled with contributions from Charlie Cameron and Kai Lohmann, helped the Lions build a substantial lead. Morris, who has scored 51 goals for the season, displayed remarkable agility and composure under pressure, earning praise from analysts and coaches alike. However, the Lions faced challenges, notably with Dayne Zorko suffering a suspected hamstring injury. While Zorko initially appeared to be dealing with cramps, reports suggested uncertainty about his availability for future matches. This concern added to the pressure on the Lions to maintain their momentum, especially as Hawthorn struggled to contain the Lions’ attacking threats. Elsewhere, in a tightly contested match at Adelaide Oval, Richmond edged closer to upsetting the odds against the Crows. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Tigers managed to take the lead, with Seth Campbell scoring three consecutive goals. The match remained competitive, with both teams trading blows, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the AFL season. As the AFL season progresses, the outcomes of these matches will shape the landscape of the finals race. Collingwood’s victory ensures their place in the finals, while the Lions’ performance underscores their potential to challenge for the title. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ resurgence raises questions about the competitiveness of the league, setting the stage for an exciting final stretch of the season.