‘Greatest Grand Final ever seen’: Pies victory over Lions leaves AFL world in awe

Football fans have been treated to an instant classic as Collingwood narrowly edged out Brisbane in front of a packed MCG.

The first half had it all. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The biggest game of the year didn’t disappoint in 2023.

Collingwood narrowly edged out Brisbane in an instant classic that had fans on the edge of their seats all the way through to the final siren.

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The back and forth contest produced some barnstorming moments, but in the end it was the Pies who reigned supreme to snag their 16th VFL/AFL premiership.

Here’s some of the biggest moments from the contest and the best reactions.

Fourth Quarter

An absolute arm wrestle unfolded in the final term as neither team wanted to give an inch. Then in the final 10 minutes everything opened up.

Charlie Cameron bobbed up to put the Lions in front with a stunning display along the boundary line.

Jordan de Goey responded almost instantly before Steele Sidebottom put the Pies further in front after Lions star Jarrod Berry coughed up an inexcusable 50m penalty.

The biggest moment of all however came with under two minutes to play with the Lions down by four points.

A contested ball saw a free kick to be given at the top of Brisbane’s forward 50 for a trip, only for the umpires to pay advantage amid the commotion.

Brisbane took no actual advantage of Zac Bailey’s blind kick over his head, and the resulting ball out of the 50 sealed Collingwood’s 16th VFL/AFL premiership.

The AFL world was livid, with the umpiring howler but it didn’t take away the reaction from fans of the entire contest.

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd dubbed it “the greatest Grand Final I’ve ever seen”.

Winner winner. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Third Quarter

Collingwood and footy fans weren’t happy after Oleg Markov was penalised for failing to stand the mark.

It saw Hugh McLuggage taken inside 50 where he made no mistake of the shot at goal but it was those watching on that savaged the ruling from the umpire.

“The worst rule in all of football,” Kane Cornes wrote.

That 50m call is one of the worst decisions ever made in a grand final.

Immediately indicated he didn't want to stand on the mark.

Howler doesn't do it justice #AFLGF

— Has the umpire made A Bad decision? (@hasumpstuffedup) September 30, 2023

Stand rule is the worst rule in the AFL. Closely followed by the 50 metre penalty which I have always disliked from day 1. #AFLGF

— David Mounce (@DMounce62) September 30, 2023

Bobby Hill is edging closer to a stunning Norm Smith Medal victory as he continues to tear the Lions defence apart.

As he lined up for what would have been his fifth goal on the day, the livewire found an open Scott Pendlebury who slotted Collingwood’s only goal of the term.

Hill has five marks inside 50 through three quarters, the Lions as a team have only taken two.

First Quarter

For the first time in his young career, Nick Daicos kicked the opening goal of the contest after a questionable high tackle free kick.

Collingwood made the better start with the opening two goals of the contest but it wasn’t long before the Lions bounced back.

Zac Bailey put himself right in the Norm Smith spotlight with a stunning first term, he kicked the Lions first before kicking one of the goals of the season.

Confronted by two Pies players, Bailey dodged and dipped his way along the boundary before darting back inside and slotting a goal across his body.

“Goal of the year,” Kane Cornes said on SEN. Gerard Whateley added: “Zac Bailey the one man show.”

CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy wrote: “Zac Bailey with two of the best grand final goals you will ever see. Superb.”

PUT THIS ZAC BAILEY GOAL STRAIGHT INTO THE HALL OF FAME!@cryptocom | #AFLGFpic.twitter.com/FtHemBrkuI

— AFL (@AFL) September 30, 2023

Bobby Hill with one of the best #AFLGF marks we’ve seen in a long time, and Zac Bailey with one of the best goals. This game has had it all so far. What a game #shootout#AFLFinals#AFLPiesLions

— Ronny Lerner (@RonnyLerner) September 30, 2023

While hard to replicate the Pies kicked two stunners of their own in the dying stages.

Brody Mihocek steadied himself on the boundary line before snapping across the body from around 35m out.

But it was Jordan de Goey who almost brought the house down.

After taking a mark just outside 50, the Pies star went back behind the mark and after the siren slotted one straight through the big sticks.

The noise radiating around the MCG was deafening.

Can't think of a better #AFLGF when it comes to quality goals.

— Ashley Browne (@hashbrowne) September 30, 2023

Second Quarter

The biggest moment of the game however came late in the opening term and start of the second quarter.

Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy came from the ground after copping an accidental high hit. While he looked to be ready to come back onto the ground, he was spotted looking wobbly on his feet and was taken out of the game.

The Lions looked to be running away with the momentum but it didn’t take long for the Pies to respond with Bobby Hill putting his stamp on the contest.

the livewire forward launched high into the Melbourne air and pulled down one of the great Grand Final marks.

Bobby Hill gets 🆙 for a super grab!#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/kaKVIpync8

— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 30, 2023

“Look at that for a Hills Hoist!” Brian Taylor said on Channel 7’s coverage.

“Hill! What a grab. Looking straight into the sun. Bobby Hill is electric here today at the G! Wow! Look at that for a Hill’s hoist! Unbelievable with Brisbane kicking five goals this quarter, this is a chance to get it back to level.”

One social media user wrote: “Bobby Hill for Norm. Shut down the voting now.”

Hill slotted his fourth goal in the latter stages of the second quarter to potentially put one hand on the Norm Smith.

Just like they did in the first quarter the Pies finished the second with a goal after the siren, this time courtesy of Jack Crisp.

The goal hands the Pies a six-point lead at the main break and has seen them surpass their highest score throughout this finals series.

Originally published as ‘Greatest Grand Final ever seen’: Pies victory over Lions leaves AFL world in awe