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That’s a wrap on today’s AFL blog.
We ended on a thriller: Collingwood reaffirmed their position as premiership favourites with a high-quality comeback win, with Port in it up until the final second.
Earlier Brisbane knocked off a slightly lacklustre Geelong, marred slightly by an injury to star Will Ashcroft, who will undergo scans on a knee injury on Monday.
Thanks for joining us, we’ll be back with more blogging action tomorrow.
In the wash-up of that defeat, Port’s night could be worsened by the possibility Willie Rioli will be sent to the tribunal for a strike on Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy.
In the incident, the two are grappling before Rioli appears to take a couple of shots. Murphy ends the tussle on the turf.
AFL legend Brad Johnson predicts a one-week ban on the Fox Footy coverage.
Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom, who starred with 26 possessions tonight, says there is “no panic” in the Pies side when they go behind.
“The belief is strong. We train it, we sit down and we talk about how we feel in those situations,” Sidebottom tells Channel Seven post-match. “I don’t know, it’s unreal.”
He says it’s a pleasure to be part of this Collingwood side, which stretched its lead atop the AFL ladder to eight points tonight.
“You’d love to be able to bottle this feeling and take a little sip out of it every now and then. At the moment it feels like we are having a few little sips, so let’s hope we have got a few more in us,” Sidebottom says.
Someone is thirsty after that hugely important win.
Collingwood star Taylor Adams played his 200th AFL match tonight and is emotional post-game.
“This group is different. We never give up,” he says.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed to be honest, this group means so much to me. F***, I just love the group so much.”
The interviewer doesn’t even call him out on the expletive - the match’s finish deserves it.
“We know that if we’re in games with 15, 20 minutes to go we can still win,” Adams continues. “Huge belief. Just love this group mate.”
What a comeback from Collingwood.
They withstand intense Port pressure in the final minute to secure the win. It’s their fifth come-from-behind victory in the final quarter this season.
“A heavyweight stoush. It’s an epic. A classic,” says Craig McLachlan on the commentary.
Port Adelaide players look stunned, many with their hands on their knees. The Pies and their fans, in strong numbers in Adelaide, celebrate rapturously.
Full time: Collingwood 85 (13.7) defeat Port Adelaide 83 (12.11).
We are into the final minute and the Pies lead by two points.
They are attempting to slow the game down with every mark but this is frenetic.
Port Adelaide 83, Collingwood 85 with 1 minute left in Q4.
Sydney has put another nail in the coffin of Fremantle’s season while also propelling themselves right back into the top-eight conversation with a 29-point win on Perth tonight.
The Swans rode their veterans in Luke Parker (31 disposals) and Lance Franklin (three goals) who were both among their best players in a game the team had to win.
Sydney won 16.9 (105) to Fremantle 12.4 (76).
“We’ve still got a little energy left in the legs,” Parker told Fox Footy.
The man teammates call “Billy” Elliott is absolutely on fire at the moment.
It’s another from the trick bag as he kicks a belter from where the 50 metre line meets the sideline.
Collingwood lead by a singular point with 180 seconds to play.
Port Adelaide 83, Collingwood 84 with 3 minutes left in Q4.
I’m starting to question whether it’s even worth mentioning the fact the lead has changed again.
That’s number 10 tonight.
Port’s steam train Sam Powell-Pepper comes booming through the pack, takes the ball on the run, sidesteps Steele Sidebottom and boots his second of the night.
Both sides are fighting hard.
Port Adelaide 83, Collingwood 78 with 5 minutes left in Q4.
Jamie Elliott again produces some magic in Collingwood’s forward pocket. He has 17 goals in the last five weeks.
And that marks the ninth lead change of the night.
“This is ridiculous now. This is something else,” says Craig McLachlan on the Fox Footy commentary. “It’s everything you hoped for.”
Port Adelaide 77, Collingwood 78 with 7 minutes left in Q4.