Brisbane has sent Collingwood into the wildcard round with plenty to think about after running away with a huge 159–96 victory at the MCG.
The final margin was 63 points, but the scoreboard only tells part of the story.
Collingwood showed patches of good football, particularly early. They were prepared to use the handball to create space and tried to open Brisbane up through the middle, but Brisbane's ball use and efficiency going forward were simply on another level.
And the biggest problem Collingwood couldn't solve was Logan Morris.
The 21-year-old was outstanding. Morris had four goals by halftime and could easily have had five. By the end of the night he had kicked a career-high eight goals and was the dominant forward on the ground.
Brisbane led 63–41 at halftime before completely taking control after the break.
Pendlebury injury the major concern
The biggest concern for Collingwood now surrounds Scott Pendlebury.
Pendlebury started the game brilliantly, collecting eight disposals in the opening quarter and looking composed around the contest. But he left the ground late in the first quarter and didn't return.
Early reports pointed towards an issue around the back of the knee, with a knee bursa problem being reported after the match. Until scans and further assessment are completed, Collingwood won't know exactly what they're dealing with.
And the timing couldn't be worse. Collingwood now heads into the wildcard round, meaning every injury suddenly becomes significant.
If the issue settles quickly, Pendlebury could potentially be available. If it proves more serious, though, Collingwood could be heading into its biggest game of the season without one of the most experienced finals players in AFL history.
There is another layer to the story. Pendlebury's playing future beyond this season remains uncertain, with reports linking rival clubs — including Gold Coast — with interest in using the veteran in a playing and leadership role.
That makes the injury situation even more intriguing. Nobody knows yet what Pendlebury will decide about 2027, but every game from here carries a little more weight.
Swadling continues to impress
One major positive for Collingwood was Sam Swadling.
Fresh off receiving an AFL Rising Star nomination following his breakout performance against Hawthorn, the youngster backed it up with another impressive game.
For a Collingwood side beginning to transition towards its next generation, Swadling is quickly becoming one of the most exciting parts of that future.
Jordan De Goey was another strong contributor, finishing with around 30 disposals and hitting the scoreboard with two goals.
Six straight goals — but Brisbane had already done the damage
Collingwood did produce one final burst. The Magpies kicked six unanswered goals during the final quarter and briefly gave their supporters something to get excited about.
But the damage had already been done. Brisbane responded and finished the night with 25 goals and 159 points — an enormous score against a Collingwood side heading into finals football.
The Lions looked faster, cleaner and far more dangerous when they went forward. Morris' eight-goal performance will grab the headlines, but Brisbane's ability to continually create quality scoring opportunities was arguably even more impressive.
