Collingwood’s high-profile recruit had one big moment, but outside of that, didn’t deliver what the Pies paid for when they needed it most.

And while Craig McRae’s side had a few big performances, not enough were up for the fight including a bitter blow to Scott Pendlebury.

Foxfooty.com.au rates every Collingwood player out of 10 from its preliminary final vs. Brisbane.

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1. PATRICK LIPINSKI

His reliable self with some important touches and overall a solid game. 5

2. JORDAN DE GOEY

Usually such a big-time player, De Goey wasn’t as explosive as we’ve seen before nor could he match the offensive flare of some of the Lions star midfielders. Needed more out of him. 4

3. ISAAC QUAYNOR

Picked up where he left off a fortnight ago in a strong showing. Brilliant run early in the second term to set up a goal. 6

4. BRAYDEN MAYNARD

One of his side’s best in the first quarter when they were up against it and overall tough and gritty as always defensively. Can never question his effort. 5

5. JAMIE ELLIOTT

An absolute hanger in the third quarter caused the MCG to erupt! Clearly Collingwood’s best forward — maybe even its best player — when others weren’t as dangerous. It included Elliott kicking a game-high four goals — and probably should’ve had a five for front-on contact in the fourth term. Can’t afford to lose him. 8

7. JOSH DAICOS

One of his side’s best overall. Just always composed and calm with the ball under elite pressure and makes the right decisions. 8

8. LACHIE SCHULTZ

Quiet showing from the small forward and just not as dangerous as he can be. 4

9. DAN HOUSTON

Took a while to get going, then unloaded an absolute bomb in the second term for Collingwood’s sixth in row. Unfortunately very quiet outside of that. Didn’t get what they paid for overall in a down first season in black and white. 3

10. SCOTT PENDLEBURY

Subbed out in the first quarter with a calf issue in horror scenes for the black and white and a bitter blow. Missed him badly around stoppage. Footy can be cruel. N/A

12. HARRY PERRYMAN

The reliable recruit did his job defensively and used the ball well. 6

14. DARCY CAMERON

Strong performance from the Pies ruckman with great presence all day around the ground. 7

17. BILLY FRAMPTON

Had the assignment on Logan Morris and kept him pretty well in check for most of the day. All you can ask for. 5

22. STEELE SIDEBOTTOM

Had the big tagging assignment on Hugh McCluggage early, but it just didn’t work, as the Lions star ran riot with nine disposals in the first quarter. “He can’t go with him,” David King noted. Solid without his usual classy big moments that can turn a game. 5

25. JACK CRISP

Solid enough on the wing and brought great defensive presence to the contest. 6

28. TIM MEMBREY

Really quiet early but got better gradually. First kick in the second term a banana shot that went out on the full but made up for it with the next goal among two in the quarter to get the Pies going. Competed hard. 6

30. DARCY MOORE

Lacked his epic defensive presence in the air from the qualifying final, but still had a heap of intercepts. 6

31. BEAU MCCREERY

Few good moments and provided his usual pressure and run and carry, but limited impact compared to what he can do. Would like to see him run through the midfield more to provide some needed blaze. 4

35. NICK DAICOS

Such a star. Smooth moving and most composed Pie that constantly looked most like doing damage. Can sometimes lift his teammates, but not enough on his level on Saturday. David King noted Daicos was “getting far too much space.” A stiff holding the ball paid against him right in front of goal in the first term. Might have a Brownlow hanging round his neck in a couple of days, at least. 8

38. JEREMY HOWE

Collingwood’s best defender in the air in the first half that looked most assured, but less presence as the game wore on. 5

41. BRODY MIHOCEK

Didn’t look himself after going into the game under an injury cloud. The Pies might be questioning if he should’ve played in what could be his last game in the black and white. 2

44. NED LONG

Fumbly and not as impactful in the contest as he can be with the ball, but was good defensively, so did his job.

45. ROAN STEELE

The mid-season recruit was subbed on early in game five for the injured Scott Pendlebury and looked comfortable on the big stage. Less impact after half-time. 4

46. MASON COX

Missed the most gettable of marks in the first play of the game that could’ve got the Pies on the board early. Made up for it with the first goal and added another in the fourth term after one of the toughest score reviews you’ll see. You’ll take two goals out of the American. 6