Since the start of the AFL in 1990, Collingwood and West Coast have met in seven finals matches, and most of those games have gone down to the wire. Only Geelong and Hawthorn, who have also met seven times, have done battle in as many finals matches over the same period. So, in the lead-up to Collingwood taking on West Coast at Optus Stadium, we’re looking back at our favourite finals clashes between the Magpies and the Eagles. We start with the draw and replay in 1990.
QUALIFYING FINAL: SEPTEMBER 8, 1990, AT WAVERLEY PARK
The Pies, who had finished second on the ladder, started well, but they wasted a number of early opportunities, kicking 3.6 to 3.1 in the first quarter.
The game continued in a similar vein in the second term, and Collingwood was 12 points up – 7.11 to 6.5 – at half-time.
Things tightened right up in the third quarter, with the Eagles booting four goals to three, and the Pies’ lead was just two points at the last change.
A thrilling last quarter ensued. Collingwood edged in front thanks to a trademark bit of brilliant in front of the sticks from Peter Daicos, before West Coast spearhead Peter Sumich had a chance to win the game for his side with a kick from close range on a 45 degree angle.
Sumich missed, then the siren sounded as he put his hands to his head, and the game ended in a draw.
Collingwood 13.12 (90) drew with West Coast 13.12 (90)
Best: Collingwood – Brown, Wright, Francis, Millane, A. Richardson, Gayfer, Daicos. West Coast – Lewis, Heady, Lamb, Mainwaring, Hart, Langdon, Watters.
Goals: Collingwood – Daicos 4, Barwick 3, Brown 3, Taylor 2, Manson. West Coast – Sumich 4, Lewis 2, Heady 2, Langdon 2, Kemp, Keane, Waterman.
Attendance: 57,546
QUALIFYING FINAL REPLAY: SEPTEMBER 15, 1990, AT WAVERLEY PARK
Collingwood flew out of the blocks in the replay, snatching control of the contest by kicking eight goals to two in the first quarter.
Although the Eagles staged a brief fightback in the third term, the Pies careered away in the final quarter, winning by 59 points and starting a run that would end with a drought-breaking premiership.
Collingwood 19.12 (126) def West Coast 9.13 (67)
Best: Collingwood – Christian, Francis, Wright, Morwood, Brown, Gayfer, McGuane. West Coast – Turley, Sumich, Lamb, Keene, Worsfold, Lewis.
Goals: Collingwood – Brown 4, Daicos 4, Manson 2, Crosisca 2, Francis 2, Kelly, Russell, McGuane, Christian, Millane. West Coast – Sumich 4, Keene 2, Langdon, Turley, Kemp.
Attendance: 53,520