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Preamble
Martin Pegan
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the AFL preliminary final between Collingwood and Brisbane at the MCG. If you feel like we’ve been here before, you’re not too far wrong. This pair of modern-day powerhouses meet again at the pointy end of the season in a rematch of the 2023 grand final. But, this time, the past two AFL premiers are playing for a spot in the decider against Geelong next Saturday.
This is the first time the duo have faced off in a preliminary final, after the Lions won a pair of classic grand finals in 2002-03, and the Pies took the honours in a 2003 qualifying final sandwiched between. More recently, they shared their two clashes so far this season with the Pies making an early-season statement with a 52-point win at the Gabba, while the Lions turned the tables for a 27-point triumph at this same venue in round 21.
The reigning premiers are in their fourth consecutive preliminary final and seeking a third straight grand final spot, while the Pies are just as familiar with this stage – this is their third trip to the penultimate week of the season in coach Craig McRae’s four-year reign.
First bounce will be at 5.15pm local time / AEST. Team news will be coming shortly. Meanwhile, let us know your thoughts and predictions – shoot me an email or find me @martinpegan on Bluesky or X. Let’s get into it!
Updated at 02.11 EDT