2023 AFL Grand Final Review: Collingwood’s Thrilling Triumph Over Brisbane
The 2023 AFL Grand Final lived up to its billing as a classic, with Collingwood securing a four-point victory (90-86) over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG in front of 100,024 passionate fans. This triumph marked the Magpies’ 16th premiership, bringing them level with Carlton and Essendon as the most successful clubs in VFL/AFL history.
For Brisbane, the heartbreak was immense. Chasing their first premiership since 2003, the Lions fought bravely but fell agonizingly short in a match that saw ten lead changes, dramatic moments, and a frantic final two minutes.
Collingwood’s Bobby Hill was the standout performer, claiming the Norm Smith Medal for his electrifying four-goal performance, while Jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos played crucial roles in securing the win.
Pre-Game Atmosphere: A Grand Final for the Ages
The build-up to the Collingwood vs. Brisbane Grand Final was immense. Collingwood, having been the best team all season, entered as slight favorites, while Brisbane had built momentum through an impressive finals campaign.
Both clubs had contrasting histories on the big stage:
Collingwood had suffered Grand Final heartbreak in 2018 and had a history of losing close deciders. Would this be the year they broke the curse?
Brisbane, under coach Chris Fagan, had rebuilt into a powerhouse but had struggled at the MCG. Could they finally win their first flag in 20 years?
The atmosphere at the MCG was electric, with both sets of fans in full voice as pre-game entertainment, including KISS, set the stage for a memorable contest.
First Quarter: A Fiery Opening
🏉 Brisbane 3.2 (20) – Collingwood 2.4 (16)
The match opened with fierce intensity, as both sides looked to establish dominance. Brisbane struck first, with Charlie Cameron showing his class, snapping a brilliant early goal from the pocket. Joe Daniher followed soon after with a strong contested mark and goal.
Collingwood responded through Bobby Hill, who got off the mark with a clean set-shot finish. The Magpies’ high-pressure game was on display, forcing Brisbane into several rushed disposals, but they struggled with accuracy in front of goal, missing gettable chances.
Big Moments:
Charlie Cameron’s stunning goal from the boundary had Brisbane fans on their feet.
Darcy Moore’s crucial intercept marks kept Collingwood in the contest.
Brisbane’s efficiency (3.2 from five inside 50s) contrasted with Collingwood’s inaccuracy (2.4 from eight inside 50s).
Second Quarter: Bobby Hill’s Moment of Brilliance
🏉 Halftime: Collingwood 9.9 (63) – Brisbane 9.3 (57)
The second quarter belonged to Bobby Hill, who produced one of the greatest Grand Final performances from a small forward in recent history. The livewire forward booted three goals in the quarter, including a spectacular mark and snap that sent the Magpies fans into a frenzy.
However, Brisbane refused to go away. Zac Bailey, playing one of the best games of his career, kicked two crucial goals, including a running effort from 50 meters that momentarily put Brisbane back in front.
Tactical Battle:
Collingwood’s pressure forced Brisbane into rushed disposals, leading to turnovers.
Brisbane’s efficiency inside 50 was better than the Magpies, but they struggled to win clearances.
Nick Daicos' ability to find space became a concern for Brisbane, as he racked up possessions at will.
Big Moments:
Bobby Hill’s mark and goal (later nominated for Mark of the Year).
Zac Bailey’s long-range goal ignited Brisbane’s charge.
Nick Daicos’ clean ball use, as he ended the half with 17 disposals and five score involvements.
At halftime, Collingwood led by just six points, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Third Quarter: An Arm-Wrestle of Champions
🏉 Three-Quarter Time: Collingwood 11.15 (81) – Brisbane 12.6 (78)
The third quarter was a war of attrition, with both teams lifting their defensive intensity. Collingwood continued to dominate territory, but their inaccuracy (11.15) kept Brisbane in the game.
Brisbane capitalized on limited opportunities, with Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher kicking crucial goals. However, Collingwood’s midfield, led by Jordan De Goey and Jack Crisp, took control, setting up repeat inside 50 entries.
Tactical Battle:
Brisbane’s defense held up under relentless pressure, forcing Collingwood into rushed shots on goal.
Nick Daicos rotated between midfield and half-back, allowing him to influence play more.
Scott Pendlebury’s experience was on full display, keeping the Magpies composed.
Big Moments:
Joe Daniher’s contested mark and goal kept Brisbane in the fight.
Jordan De Goey’s brilliant sidestep and long-range goal put Collingwood ahead.
Brayden Maynard’s crucial smother denied Brisbane a scoring opportunity.
With just three points separating the teams at the final break, the stage was set for a legendary finish.
Final Quarter: A Heart-Stopping Finish
🏆 Final Score: Collingwood 12.18 (90) def. Brisbane 13.8 (86)
The final term was a battle of nerves and endurance. Collingwood, despite dominating play, continued to struggle with inaccuracy, leaving the door open for Brisbane.
With less than three minutes remaining, Jordan De Goey launched a 50-meter bomb, giving Collingwood a two-goal lead. But Brisbane struck back immediately, with Joe Daniher soccering through a goal to cut the margin to four points.
The final 90 seconds were pure chaos, as Brisbane surged forward one last time, but Collingwood’s defense held strong. A desperate smother from Maynard and a match-saving intercept mark from Darcy Moore sealed victory as the siren sounded.
Norm Smith Medal Winner: Bobby Hill
🏅 Bobby Hill (Collingwood)
4 Goals, 18 Disposals, 8 Marks
Clutch performance in a Grand Final debut
Awarded the Norm Smith Medal for a Grand Final performance for the ages.
Collingwood’s Historic Triumph
This premiership ended years of heartbreak for Collingwood fans, exorcising the demons of 2018 and cementing Craig McRae’s status as an elite coach.
For Brisbane, the heartbreak was immense, but with a young and talented list, they’ll be contenders again in 2024.
Final Thoughts: Final Thoughts: A Grand Final for the Ages
The 2023 AFL Grand Final will be remembered as one of the most gripping and intense deciders in history. Collingwood’s 12.18 (90) to 13.8 (86) victory over Brisbane was a match filled with momentum swings, elite individual performances, tactical battles, and pure drama. The four-point margin reflected how evenly matched these two teams were, and in the end, it was Collingwood’s ability to handle pressure that made the difference.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the match and its lasting significance:
🏆 Collingwood’s Triumph: A Season of Grit and Redemption
For Collingwood, this premiership was years in the making. After falling agonizingly short in 2018, suffering a wooden spoon-worthy season in 2021, and narrowly missing a Grand Final appearance in 2022, this victory was the ultimate redemption story.
Under Craig McRae, the Magpies transformed into a composed, disciplined, and resilient unit that simply found ways to win tight games. This Grand Final was the perfect encapsulation of their season—despite being challenged multiple times, they held firm under pressure, executed when it mattered most, and ultimately got the job done.
Key aspects of Collingwood’s journey to the premiership:
Winning the most games by single-digit margins in 2023 (a testament to their ability to perform under pressure).
Finishing as minor premiers and handling the weight of expectations.
Craig McRae’s leadership—building a culture of belief and positivity.
Veteran players stepping up: Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore, and Steele Sidebottom were brilliant.
The rise of young stars: Nick Daicos, Bobby Hill, and Josh Daicos provided a new wave of energy.
This victory cements Collingwood as one of the greatest modern-day teams and equal-first for most VFL/AFL premierships (16) alongside Carlton and Essendon.
💔 Brisbane’s Heartbreak: A Glorious Run Falls Short
For Brisbane, the pain of falling just four points short will linger for a long time. The Lions were in this game until the final siren, and they’ll be left wondering what could have been.
Despite their well-documented struggles at the MCG, Brisbane proved they could match it with the best. Their midfield was outstanding, Charlie Cameron was electric, and Joe Daniher had big moments, but ultimately, they lacked the composure in the dying minutes to snatch victory.
The heartbreak is real, but Brisbane’s future remains bright:
Will Ashcroft’s return in 2024 will strengthen an already elite midfield.
Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey showed they are elite Grand Final performers.
Chris Fagan has turned this team into a consistent contender—they’ll be back.
The biggest lesson for Brisbane? Grand Finals are won by teams that execute in big moments. If they can learn from this experience, 2024 could be their year.
🏅 Bobby Hill: From Cancer Survivor to Grand Final Hero
The Norm Smith Medal-winning performance by Bobby Hill is the stuff of AFL folklore.
In 2022, Hill was diagnosed with testicular cancer, underwent surgery, and fought his way back to football. In 2023, he switched clubs from GWS to Collingwood and had an immediate impact, but no one could have predicted his Grand Final dominance.
His stats:
✅ 18 disposals
✅ 4 goals (including 3 in the second quarter)
✅ 8 marks
✅ Game-defining moments under pressure
Hill’s story is one of resilience and inspiration, proving that adversity can lead to greatness. His electrifying pace, clean hands, and goal sense were the difference-makers for Collingwood. He joins the ranks of legendary Grand Final performers, and his performance will be remembered for decades.
⚖️ The Tactical Chess Match: How Collingwood Won
This Grand Final was not just about individual brilliance—it was a strategic battle between two top coaches.
🔳 Collingwood’s Game Plan:
Slowed down Brisbane’s attacking game by applying relentless forward pressure.
Used Nick Daicos across multiple positions, making it hard for Brisbane to shut him down.
Executed better in key moments—holding possession in the dying minutes.
🦁 Brisbane’s Tactics:
Targeted Collingwood’s tall defenders, using Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher to exploit mismatches.
Lachie Neale was influential early, but struggled as Collingwood put more attention on him.
Won clearances and inside 50s, but couldn’t convert late in the game.
Ultimately, Collingwood’s superior composure under pressure won them the game.
⏳ Legacy of the 2023 Grand Final
What will the 2023 AFL Grand Final be remembered for?
🔥 One of the closest Grand Finals in modern history.
🏆 Collingwood’s redemption after years of heartbreak.
🏅 Bobby Hill’s unforgettable Norm Smith performance.
💔 Brisbane’s gallant effort but missed opportunity.
🧠 Craig McRae’s tactical masterclass.
For AFL fans, this Grand Final was a masterpiece—one that will be watched and rewatched for years to come.
Final Verdict: One of the Greatest Grand Finals Ever?
The 2023 AFL Grand Final had everything:
✅ Close margin (4 points).
✅ Multiple lead changes (10 times).
✅ High-scoring, fast-paced football.
✅ Huge individual performances.
✅ A frantic final two minutes.
In a game that will go down alongside the greatest Grand Finals of all time (think 1989, 2005, 2018), this one had it all.
Collingwood fans will savor this victory forever, and Brisbane will use this as fuel for 2024. One thing is for sure—this Grand Final reminded us all why we love AFL.