It was one of the most hotly contested games of the seasons, and rightfully so, with the first-placed West Coast Eagles searching for their first win at the MCG over the third-placed Collingwood since round two, 1995.
The match was an arm-wrestle that ran in waves. One minute, Collingwood would burst to a four goal lead. Half a quarter later, West Coast would hold the lead and appear set to record a famous win on the road.
Ultimately, the Magpies dug deep to win back the lead thanks to Dayne Beams' third goal and then cling on for the final seven minutes to find themselves three points ahead when the siren sounded.
Collingwoodfc.com.au has told the story of the night with the best photos courtesy of AFL Media.
Collingwood 3.5 6.6 11.10 12.13 (85)
West Coast 2.3 7.6 9.7 12.10 (82)
Goals: Cloke 5, Beams 3, Fasolo 2, Blair 2
Best: Beams, Swan, Cloke, Thomas, Blair, Shaw, Maxwell
The look in Nick Maxwell's eyes as he walks to toss the coin says it all.
Collingwood's on the board! Early goals to Travis Cloke and Dayne Beams gave the side an early injection of confidence.
Hard balls, loose balls, doesn't matter. Dayne Beams is getting it done in 2012.
Chris Dawes dives to take a chest mark in front of West Coast captain Darren Glass.
Darren Jolly took on West Coast's twin towers - Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui - for 87 per cent of the match. One of the most imposing tasks in football. He ended the day with 23 important hitouts. A terrific effort.
Alex Fasolo lets everyone know who has inherited Leon Davis' No. 1 in season 2012.
It far from plain sailing. West Coast kept coming at the Pies all night long.
Travis Cloke had to sing for his supper against some of the best key defenders in the competition.
But once he began to find some space...
...Cloke was celebrating kicking five goals before three quarter time.
Sharrod Wellingham (sporting a bit of an Ace Ventura hairstyle), Steele Sidebottom and Harry O'Brien were all key components of Collingwood's ninth win on the trot.
Jarryd Blair got things going early in the third quarter as he pushed hard into space in attack.
And before you knew it, he was celebrating his second goal in 60 seconds with Tyson Goldsack.
Two of The Beaks - Tyson Goldsack and Alan Toovey - who must surely be two of the most competitive players in the league.
Dale Thomas flew high above Shannon Hurn and Steele Sidebottom on the Great Southern Stand wing, but was up before acceptances.
A time for competition, a time for compassion. Chris Dawes shows the way.
Not too many players in the country could back themselves to get through a Nic Naitanui tackle, but if anyone can, it's Swanny.
Jamie 'Billy' Elliott was the spark in the final quarter, earning 15 disposals and taking nine marks.
And that's why he's the skipper.
Elliott earned himself a place in the hearts of Collingwood fans across the globe with his daring feats in the air during the tense last quarter.
The 62,957 crowd was silenced when West Coast's Josh Hill put his side in front with less than 10 minutes remaining in the final quarter. But it wasn't long until the hush was replaced by a roar...
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...and Dayne Beams was the man to do it. Fast becoming a machine in the midfield, the 22-year-old won a free kick for a high tackle and booted his third from a tight angle. It meant Collingwood had over seven minutes to cling to a slender lead.
The final passage of play - Collingwood outnumbered West Coast at the contest and worked together to make sure the ball ended up safely on the half forward flank when the siren sounded.
The extra mile. That's where the winners live.
"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious" - Vince Lombardi, American Football coach.
The defensive members of the 2010 premiership team's spine, Nathan Brown and Ben Reid, celebrate after the final siren.
Mirror, mirror on the wall...
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Two of Collingwood's best are all smiles after the win.
Nick Maxwell shares a moment after the victory with friends of former Cheer Squad member Paul Zoia, who passed away during the week. Side By Side.
Nine in a row and on top of the ladder. Good Old Collingwood Forever indeed.
