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.

SECOND SEMI-FINAL: SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AT SUBIACO OVAL

The opening quarter was a grind, with Collingwood leading 1.5 (11) to 0.4 (4) at the first break.

Both sides hit the scoreboard more frequently in the second and third quarters, but it remained a largely low-scoring affair, with the Eagles three points up – 8.9 (57) to 7.11 (53) – at the final change.

A thrilling last term ensued. Dale Thomas handed the Pies a two-point lead when he nailed a set shot with 3.20 left on the clock.

Darren Glass and Andrew Embley then had shots to win the game for West Coast, but they managed only behinds, and scores were tied on 10.12 (72) when the siren sounded.

The scoreboard at the end of regular time (AFL Photos)

Collingwood dominated extra time, kicking three unanswered goals and scoring a famous 19-point win.

The result saw the Eagles, who had won the premiership the year before and had finished third on the ladder, bundled out in straight sets.

Collingwood 13.15 (93) def West Coast 10.14 (74) – after extra time

Best: Collingwood – Swan, Medhurst, Pendlebury, Didak, Goldsack.
West Coast – Priddis, Glass, Chick, Cox, B. Jones.

Goals: Collingwood – Rocca 3, Swan 2, Didak 2, Medhurst 2, Bryan, Cloke, Pendlebury, Thomas.
West Coast – LeCras 2, Wirrpanda 2, Lynch, Rosa, Priddis, Fletcher, Cox, Embley.

Attendance: 43,627

Nathan Buckley gets one of his 21 disposals for the game (AFL Photos)