In a stunning display of dominance, the Collingwood Magpies handed the Brisbane Lions their first loss of the 2025 AFL season on Thursday night, delivering a powerful performance that left the reigning premiers reeling. The match, held at The Gabba, saw Collingwood emerge victorious with a decisive score that not only showcased their skill but also marked a significant shift in the AFL landscape.
The Lions entered the match with an impressive record of 5-0, boasting a percentage of 120%. However, they faced a formidable challenge against a Collingwood side eager to secure their fifth consecutive win after an early-season setback against the Giants. As the match unfolded, it became clear that the Pies were ready to capitalize on any weaknesses in Brisbane's game.
Collingwood made a strategic change before the match, with Mason Cox stepping in for Lachie Sullivan, who was managed, while Ed Allan was named as the sub. On the other hand, Brisbane opted to debut young midfielder Sam Marshall, an academy selection from the previous draft, as they looked to bolster their lineup following injuries to Will McLachlan and Bruce Reville.
From the outset, it was evident that Collingwood had come to play. They quickly established control, leveraging their experience and tactical prowess to put the Lions on the back foot. Brisbane's coach, Chris Fagan, acknowledged the need for his team to improve their consistency across four quarters, a challenge that has plagued them throughout the season. "Doing it that way is not sustainable, we know that, so we'll keep working away at being more consistent throughout a game," Fagan stated in a pre-match press conference.
Despite their undefeated status, the Lions had shown a troubling trend of slow starts, often trailing at halftime. This match was no different, as they struggled to find their rhythm early on. Historically, Brisbane has been known for their comeback capabilities, having won their last eight games when trailing at halftime. However, the stakes were higher against a Collingwood team that has proven to be resilient in the face of adversity.
As the first half progressed, the Magpies maintained their lead, showcasing their ability to capitalize on Brisbane's mistakes. The Lions, who had previously pulled off remarkable comebacks against teams like the Western Bulldogs, found themselves unable to mount a similar response against Collingwood. The Pies' relentless pressure and strategic play forced Brisbane into uncharacteristic errors, leading to missed opportunities on goal.
Fagan, reflecting on his team's performance, noted, "We've had a great rivalry with Collingwood over the last few years and they have come out on top in the last three games, so there's plenty to play for." This rivalry has intensified in recent seasons, with both teams vying for supremacy in the AFL.
As the match continued, the Lions struggled to adapt to Collingwood's game plan. Even with the introduction of Marshall into the lineup, who was expected to bring fresh energy, Brisbane's forward line failed to click. Fagan defended forward-ruck Sam Day, who has yet to score this season, stating, "You look at numbers, I look at actions and things that happen out on the field and what he does to help others and our system. I'm happy with what he's doing." While Fagan expressed confidence in Day's contributions, the pressure was mounting for the Lions to find their scoring touch.
Meanwhile, Collingwood welcomed back midfielder-forward Jordan De Goey, who had been sidelined with achilles soreness. His return added another layer of complexity for Brisbane's defense, as De Goey's offensive capabilities are well-known throughout the league. Forward Tim Membrey was also listed as "managed," indicating a strategic approach to player fitness and stamina as the season progresses.
As the match approached its climax, it became clear that Collingwood's preparation and execution had paid off. The Pies not only maintained their lead but also effectively countered every attempt by Brisbane to stage a comeback. The final siren sounded, marking a significant victory for Collingwood and handing the Lions a sobering reminder that the road to success in the AFL is fraught with challenges.
The outcome of this match not only shifted the dynamics of the current season but also raised questions about the Lions' ability to sustain their early-season form. Fagan's admission that their comeback victories are "not sustainable" resonated throughout the post-match discussions, as analysts and fans alike pondered the implications for Brisbane moving forward.
With the loss, Brisbane's record now stands at 5-1, while Collingwood improves to 5-1, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the AFL. As the season progresses, both teams will need to refine their strategies and address the issues that surfaced during this match.
Looking ahead, the Lions will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. The pressure is on Fagan and his coaching staff to ensure that their players can bounce back from this defeat and find a way to regain their winning form. Meanwhile, Collingwood will look to build on this momentum, aiming for another victory in their next outing.
As the AFL season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and intense rivalries that continue to shape the narrative of this year's competition. With the stakes higher than ever, every match counts, and both Brisbane and Collingwood will be eager to prove themselves on the grand stage.
