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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Martin Pegan

AFL finals: where the Collingwood v Brisbane preliminary final will be won and lost

Composite image of Steele Sidebottom and Cam Rayner
Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom and Cam Rayner of Brisbane have major roles to play in the second AFL preliminary final on Saturday. Composite: Getty Images

The time is now for Collingwood as they again cross paths with Brisbane at the pointy end of the season, just two years after the powerhouse clubs played out an all-time classic grand final. The past two AFL premiers meet a week earlier this time with a spot in the 2025 decider on the line.

The Magpies are all in on a premiership this year as they back a cast of high-performing veterans who have helped lift them to preliminary final week in three of their four seasons under coach Craig McRae. The Pies built up a strong record against the Lions since breaking their hearts to clinch the 2023 flag with three more victories, including a comprehensive 52-point win in round six this year. Brisbane finally turned the tables on Collingwood when they pulled away to a 27-point triumph during the run home to make a pre-finals statement at the MCG.

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