WWE tactics used by GWS to slam Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek into the MCG turf in ‘suplex’ move as Magpies hold their nerve to book grand final berth

Collingwood had to stage a furious comeback and then survive by one point to read the 2023 AFL grand final, with one ugly moment set to make the heartbreaking loss to GWS even tougher.

Collingwood’s bid for a record-equalling 16th AFL premiership is alive after they held off GWS in a one-point thriller to advance to the grand final.

Jordan De Goey produced one of the best performances of his career as the Magpies recorded an 8.10 (58) to 8.9 (57) victory in Friday night’s preliminary final at the MCG.

However, it was a moment in the first quarter that could pique the interest of the AFL Tribunal – and the WWE.

Late in the first quarter, GWS star Daniel Lloyd grabbed Collingwood’s Brodie Mihocek and swung his body around in the turf in a move that looked more like pro wrestling than Aussie Rules.

Mihocek was unharmed by the tackle and finished the match which Collingwood won in a thriller

“Mihocek pressed hard to the ground,” said Channel 7 caller James Brayshaw, while fellow commentator Brian Taylor added: “What a suplex!”

Amazingly, no free kick was given by the referees.

However, Lloyd is almost certain he has a case to answer as the AFL cracks down on sling tackles.

‘That is exactly what the sling tackle rule was introduced to remove. He just throws it over his head – very dangerous, a leg breaker, poor lack of calling,” said one fan.

‘Very surprised that Mihocek was turned upside down, it was not a dangerous tackle. But I’m biased,” another added.

“Lucky he’s in this code and not rugby union where he would get a red card,” another posted.

However, some fans believe that by using the suplex move, Lloyd actually prevented the worst of the damage to Mihocek’s head.

“Did an incredible job making it a fair tackle and not injuring Mihocek,” said one.

“The head is protected, so it’s OK. Great tackle,” another posted.

“Tackle of the year,” another suggested.

Mihocek celebrates with Patrick Lipinski as the Magpies prepare for a record AFL/VFL premiership

GWS players were left shattered after leading for most of the match but ultimately losing by one point in the final quarter

The narrow victory in front of 97,665 fans was a reversal of last season’s one-point loss to Sydney in a preliminary final.

“We’re in this position and we’re very proud of our journey,” second-year coach Craig McRae said.

“Two years of doing one-on-one fighting drills, we do it every session… I don’t know how many hours that is, but you saw some of those matches in the last quarter and how much we had rehearsed those moments.

“We sit and reflect on this for a moment, take a breath and are very proud of what we have achieved so far.”

De Goey (34 disposals, 13 clearances) was fantastic and Brownlow Medal favorite Nick Daicos (28, six) recovered in his return match after seven weeks out with a knee injury.

Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury and Isaac Quaynor were also important for the winners.

Their combined displays overwhelmed GWS despite the efforts of Tom Green (31 touches), Josh Kelly (33), Lachie Whitfield (26) and Toby Greene (two goals).