Jamie Elliott and Steele Sidebottom Shine as Collingwood Defeats Adelaide to Reach AFL Preliminary Final
A stunning third-quarter blitz propels the Magpies into the next round of the AFL Finals, showcasing veteran brilliance and defensive mastery.
Introduction: A Finals Masterclass in Hostile Territory
In a thrilling qualifying final that showcased the very best of Australian Rules Football, the Collingwood Magpies delivered a commanding performance to defeat the minor premier Adelaide Crows by 24 points. The victory, fueled by veterans Jamie Elliott (four goals) and Steele Sidebottom (three goals), books Collingwood a spot in the AFL preliminary final and silences a raucous Adelaide Oval crowd. The Magpies’ ability to excel under pressure and in hostile environments underscores their reputation as a club built for September success.
Match Overview: Magpies Silence the Crowd
- Final Score: Collingwood 11.13 (79) defeated Adelaide 8.7 (55).
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, attendance 52,187.
- Key Moment: A devastating seven-goal burst either side of halftime—including five unanswered goals in a third-quarter blitz—swung the match decisively in Collingwood’s favor.
Despite entering the arena to a “cacophony of boos” and facing a fiercely partisan crowd, Collingwood leaned into their identity as a team that relishes being “the hunter and the hated”. The Crows, playing their first final since 2017 and celebrating veteran Taylor Walker’s 300th game, started strong but were ultimately overwhelmed by the Magpies’ pressure and game intelligence.
Star Performers: Veterans Steal the Show
Jamie Elliott’s Clinical Forward Display
Elliott, who had been in middling form leading into the finals, announced his return to peak performance with a game-high four goals, including the final goal of the match to seal the victory. His ability to impact the scoreboard and provide a target in attack was pivotal, especially during Collingwood’s match-winning surge.
Steele Sidebottom’s Experience Shines
The 34-year-old Sidebottom, playing in his club-record 32nd final, turned back the clock with a brilliant three-goal haul, all coming in a game-breaking burst during the third quarter. His leadership and composure in high-pressure moments were invaluable for a Magpies side that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
Darcy Moore’s Defensive Masterclass
While the forwards grabbed the headlines, captain Darcy Moore was arguably the most influential player on the ground. He delivered a “true captain’s game,” recording a remarkable 13 intercepts and nine intercept marks—the most ever in an AFL finals match—to repeatedly cut off Adelaide’s attacking forays. Fox Sports analyst David King called it “the best game I’ve seen him play”.
Table: Key Statistical Leaders in the Match
| Player | Disposals | Goals | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Elliott | 15 | 4 | Game-high goal tally, clutch finishing |
| Steele Sidebottom | 18 | 3 | 3 goals in third-quarter blitz |
| Darcy Moore | 17 | 0 | 13 intercepts, 9 intercept marks (AFL finals record) |
| Jordan De Goey | 26 | 1 | 6 clearances, midfield dominance |
| Nick Daicos | 24 | 1 | 8 score involvements, elite ball use |
Tactical Breakdown: How the Magpies Won
Defensive Fortress
Collingwood’s victory was built on a resolute defensive structure. They finished the home-and-away season as the league’s No. 1 defense by points against, and this strength was on full display. Moore, supported by Billy Frampton (10 intercepts) and Isaac Quaynor, formed an “impenetrable wall” that consistently repelled Adelaide’s attacks. The Magpies’ ability to patrol the midfield, close down space, and force turnovers created anxiety and errors from the Crows all night.
Midfield Battle and Clearance Supremacy
The Magpies’ midfield, led by Jordan De Goey (26 disposals, 6 clearances) and Nick Daicos (24 disposals), eventually overpowered Adelaide’s engine room. After a tight first half, Collingwood won the centre clearance battle 12-10, which directly fueled their third-quarter scoring explosion. This surge was a hallmark of their 2022-23 premiership style, which they successfully rediscovered for this final.
Controversy and Crowd Reaction
The match was not without its controversies. Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor was booed relentlessly by sections of the Adelaide crowd, likely in relation to the recent suspension of Crows star Izak Rankine for using a homophobic slur against Quaynor in a previous match.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae condemned the booing, stating, “I’m just not a booer. I teach my beautiful young girls… I find it really disappointing”. Quaynor handled the situation with grace, commenting that he focused on the noise from the traveling Collingwood fans instead.
Impact and Implications: What Comes Next?
- For Collingwood: The victory secures a home preliminary final at the MCG in two weeks’ time. After losing five of their last seven home-and-away games, this statement win re-establishes them as a serious premiership contender.
- For Adelaide: The minor premiers must regroup for a do-or-die semi-final next week against the winner of the elimination final between GWS and Hawthorn. Their task may be complicated by the ongoing absence of suspended star Izak Rankine, though forward Josh Rachele (knee) could be a chance to return.
U.S. Sports Relevance: Lessons in Resilience and Dynasty Building
For American sports fans, particularly followers of the NFL, NBA, or NHL playoffs, Collingwood’s victory serves as a compelling case study in playoff experience and resilience. Their ability to dismiss late-season form slumps and elevate their game when it matters most mirrors the ethos of legendary U.S. sports dynasties.
The team’s reliance on veterans like Sidebottom and Elliott, while receiving crucial contributions from younger stars like the Daicos brothers, demonstrates a successful blend of experience and youth—a blueprint many U.S. franchises strive to emulate. Furthermore, the match was a showcase of Australian Rules Football’s intensity and athleticism, a sport that shares similarities with American football’s strategic field positioning and basketball’s continuous flow.
Conclusion: A Warning to the Competition
Collingwood’s victory was more than just a trip to the preliminary final; it was a message to the entire AFL. When their game is fueled by extreme pressure, defensive fortitude, and veteran brilliance, they are a formidable opponent for any team. As they await their next challenger at the MCG, the Magpies will be confident that their best football is still good enough to compete for that elusive 17th premiership.
For Adelaide, the dream is still alive, but the path to the grand final has become significantly harder. Their response next week will reveal the true character of a team that has exceeded expectations all season long.