AFL Grand Final 2023: Collingwood WINS the premiership in four-point thriller as Bobby Hill takes home the Norm Smith medal after kicking four goals in front of 100,024 fans at the MCG
- Collingwood has won the 2023 AFL premiership
- The Pies defeated Brisbane by just four points
- It is the 16th premiership won in their history
Collingwood has claimed a record-equalling 16th premiership with a thrilling four-point win over the Brisbane Lions in the AFL grand final.
Bobby Hill scored a career-best four goals in the epic 12.18 (90) to 13.8 (86) win in front of 100,024 fans at the MCG on Saturday. His performance earned him the Norm Smith Medal.
Scott Pendlebury also played a starring role and Jordan De Goey kicked the go-ahead with five minutes to play before Collingwood held firm in the desperate closing stages after losing key defender Nathan Murphy to concussion before half-time.
It was the Magpies’ first premiership since 2010, following heartbreaking defeats in the grand finals in 2011 and 2018.
At the final siren, Pies captain Darcy Moore said: “It’s so surreal. I grew up supporting Collingwood, I was here in 2010 and it feels surreal.
Collingwood are AFL premiership winners after the Pies defeated Brisbane Lions at the MCG
Steele Sidebottom scored the decisive goal for the Pies at a sold-out MCG
Saturday’s victory means Collingwood has won 16 premierships in its history
‘There’s so much work that goes into it, so much has to go right, and we succeeded. Just incredible, it was fun to play and I’m sure it was fun to watch.
‘We said at half-time: ‘Jesus, what an incredible game to play’. Brisbane just kept coming at us, I can’t find the words for it.’
Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealed he is a father after his wife gave birth on Saturday morning.
He said: ‘Today is one of the best days of my life because my wife gave birth to a baby girl this morning, so tonight I am coming home with the cup.
“I would like to pay my respects to Fages (Chris Fagan) and the Brisbane Lions. I’ve always had a soft spot for you guys and it’s one of the best games I’ve ever been involved with. I have always seen this group as a very special group and now they are a premiership team, congratulations.
‘We started this campaign two years ago, one of our main focuses was to take the fans along and it has been an amazing journey. The Magpie Army inspires us, this one is for you.”
More to follow.