For Collingwood, the First Semi-Final was about securing its flight to ANZ Stadium to take on Sydney in the Preliminary Final.
But it was also about paying tribute to the late John McCarthy, who played 18 games for the club between 2008 and 2011 before crossing to Port Adelaide where he spent his final season before passing away tragically in Las Vegas earlier this week.
The emotional toll on his teammates, who became close friends with McCarthy during his four years at Collingwood, was plain for all to see. They rallied for their mate and dug deeper than ever before to register a victory that no one at the club will ever forget.
Pre-Game
Black armbands to be worn by Collingwood players and staff lined, the change room wall before the game, while the banners displayed by the Cheer Squad helped pay a fitting tribute.
The minute's silence
The 22 players and coach Nathan Buckley paused for one of the most challenging minutes of their lives as they stood silently in unison to honour the late Johnny Mac.
First-year coach Buckley had plenty on his plate this week. A trip to Sydney was the prize but plenty of water needed to go under the bridge first.
The passion
Each of Collingwood's 10 goals were met with stirring celebrations as the players' emotions spilled over.
Harry O'Brien steadied the ship with his side's first after the Pies conceded the first four goals of the night and were staring at an early finals exit. O'Brien punched the air before kissing and tapping his black armband.
Andrew Krakouer revved up the black and white engine with what looked to be his side's second goal, only for it to be denied by a goal umpiring review.
Stand-in captain Scott Pendlebury was ice-cool and looked every inch the leader.
Dane Swan roars after snapping a vital final quarter goal to keep the Eagles at bay.
According to prominent Collingwood tweeter Andrew Hind (@iamtheoracle), Tyson Goldsack is the 'quintessential Collingwood player'. He sure played like one in attack, playing with an intensity that set the standard for his teammates.
Daisy's dazzlers
Three goals to Dale Thomas to start the third quarter turned an arm-wrestle into a black and white advantage.
He's had several chances to celebrate goals in the past, but none have received as intense a response as this.
Blairy's moment
Jarryd Blair, one of John McCarthy's closest mates, kicked a ripper from deep on the boundary line, a good 50m from goal. It prompted a frenzy in the crowd and a kiss to the black armband.
The game
It was far from one-way traffic.
Collingwood had to deal with goal umpiring reversals...
And injuries...
And a fierce opponent.
But no matter what the situation, the Collingwood players had each other's backs all night long.
Going by the response of Joffa and the rest of the Army, the Collingwood supporters were behind their team every step of the way.
The win
It was Ben Reid's finest hour. The 2011 All-Australian owned the defensive half of the ground and was over the moon when the siren sounded.
There was only one man on his mind and on those of all 21 of his teammates - J-Mac.
Collingwood isn't just a football club. It's a family.
The aftermath
Stand-in skipper Scott Pendlebury called the players in to steady their hearts and minds before they left the field with a 13-point win in hand.
Heath Shaw was there for Ben Reid.
Just as he was for an emotional Dayne Beams as the players left the ground.
The rooms
Another of McCarthy's close mates, Dayne Beams, was overcome with emotion.
They're not just elite footballers - they're young men dealing with tragedy in the public eye.
Onya, Blairy. With 14 possessions, seven tackles and a goal, he played a game and a half.
If Johnny Mac was there, he'd have loved every second of the win. Rest In Peace, Johnny. Floreat Pica.
