Here’s the 3-2-1 breakdown from Monday night’s tense showdown at the MCG — where the Collingwood Magpies scraped past the Melbourne Demons 11.6 (72) to 10.11 (71) in another trademark “great escape”. ([FOX SPORTS][1])
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### 3. ‘It’s just what they do’: Pies win close one… of course
Collingwood’s knack for grinding out tight wins was in full display. They entered the final change ahead by seven points, only to allow Melbourne to surge in the last quarter and threaten to snatch it. But with less than a minute remaining, a miscued kick from Melbourne skipper Max Gawn deep in their forward arc — instead of switching the play — gifted the ball to the Pies’ Will Hoskin‑Elliott. That turnover proved decisive. ([FOX SPORTS][1])
Analyst Leigh Montagna admitted mid-third quarter:
> “This is going to the death.” ([FOX SPORTS][1])
> And so it did. The Magpies kept their cool when it mattered and found a way.
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### 2. ‘Real old-school’ move that rattled the superstar
A crucial subplot in the match was the intense tagging job by Melbourne wingman Ed Langdon on Collingwood midfield ace Nick Daicos. From the outset, Langdon shadowed Daicos wherever he went—even off-ball—and the effect was noticeable. At halftime, Daicos had managed only seven disposals, two marks and just 149 metres gained: the sixth-lowest on ground. ([FOX SPORTS][1])
Montagna again:
> “It’s in his head a little bit … this (tag) is clearly bothering him … it’s signalled an intent from Melbourne.” ([FOX SPORTS][1])
> While Daicos found some rhythm in the second half and booted a crucial goal in the fourth quarter, the tag set the tone for the battle within the battle. The Demons’ approach disrupted Collingwood’s star and added significant pressure.
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### 1. Touchy Daicos call proves pivotal
Perhaps the moment that summed up both the tag’s impact **and** the Magpies’ composure occurred late in the game: Daicos was awarded a free kick for a “push-in-the-back” in the final quarter, which enabled him to slot a point. That point proved to be the margin of victory. ([FOX SPORTS][1])
The call stirred debate — commentators noted that Daicos looked “starting to lash out a little bit … plenty happening off the ball.” ([FOX SPORTS][1])
In other words, the dragging tag had pushed him out of his typical comfort zone and he responded at a pivotal moment. That moment, arguably, swung the match.
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### Big picture
* Collingwood extend their winning streak to **five straight**, now opening up a six-point buffer at the top of the ladder after Brisbane’s loss. ([FOX SPORTS][1])
* For Melbourne: despite dominating territory and contested possessions early, inefficiency inside-50 again cost them dearly. As one commentary put it: “This first half for Melbourne, it’s as good as they can play — apart from the finishing.” ([FOX SPORTS][1])
* The Magpies’ defensive system deserves credit: by half-time they had a pressure rating of 192 and 13 forward-half intercepts. ([FOX SPORTS][1])
* The star tag on Daicos signals two things: a) Melbourne aren’t content to concede midfield dominance, and b) Even the best-laid plans can be undone by clutch moments and composure under pressure.
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In summary — Collingwood found a way, again. Melbourne came hard, built territory, brought physicality, and rattled a superstar. Yet when it counted, the Pies’ experience and a razor-thin margin delivered. That free-kick to Daicos, late and under heat, might just be the play that tipped the balance.
If you like, I can pull out post-match quotes from both coaches and compile the full stat sheet.
[1]: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/melbourne-demons/live-afl-2025-melbourne-demons-vs-collingwood-magpies-kings-birthday-game-round-13-live-scores-and-stats-updates-blog-big-freeze-11-start-time-aest-and-how-to-stream/news-story/fc0e589d82027cccc6a1944622c30e68?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Touchy Daicos call
pivotal as rival ‘gets in his head’ but …”
