Collingwood dismantle Brisbane in ruthless Gabba ambush

Collingwood flexed their AFL premiership muscle with a commanding 52-point victory over Brisbane at the Gabba on Thursday night, snapping the Lions’ unbeaten start to 2025 in emphatic fashion.

In a rematch between the past two premiers, the Magpies controlled the contest from the outset and never let go, running out 16.9 (105) to 7.11 (53) winners in front of a stunned Easter Thursday crowd.

It was Brisbane’s first loss in 10 matches and just their second defeat at the Gabba in the past 12 months.

Nick Daicos was again at the heart of it all. The star midfielder was untouchable in the first half, racking up 21 disposals and seven score involvements before finishing with 38 touches, eight clearances, and a goal. The Lions attempted to apply a tag via Jarrod Berry in the third term, but the damage had already been done.

Pre-game, Lions coach Chris Fagan backed his midfield to go head-to-head with Daicos rather than send a tag. It backfired badly, with Collingwood surging clear with an eight-goal burst across the second and third quarters.

Dan McStay booted three goals against his old side in a strong performance, while Jamie Elliott added two in his 200th game. Josh Daicos (30 disposals), Steele Sidebottom (26), and Beau McCreery also made key contributions as the Magpies’ depth again proved critical.

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The victory keeps Collingwood’s unbeaten streak alive at five, with the Pies now sitting atop the AFL ladder alongside Gold Coast. It also marked their fourth straight win over the Brisbane Lions.

It wasn’t without a scare, though, with skipper Darcy Moore subbed out in the final term after copping a knee to the head from teammate Jeremy Howe during a marking contest.

The Magpies were relentless around the ball, dominating clearances 36-26 and holding Brisbane to just 37 inside 50s. Collingwood’s defensive structure repeatedly forced the Lions wide and disrupted their ball movement.

Frustration crept into Brisbane’s game. Dayne Zorko conceded a costly 50m penalty for dissent and was later caught holding the ball, leading to a Nick Daicos goal. Cameras captured a tense exchange between Zorko and Fagan on the bench as the Lions unravelled under the pressure.

Brisbane’s forward line struggled to fire. Zac Bailey, Charlie Cameron, Callum Ah Chee and Logan Morris all went goalless, while Collingwood’s team defence suffocated their usual corridor chains.

The Magpies’ superior structure, work rate and polish were the difference, and with Lachie Schultz and Dan Houston still to return, the signs are ominous.

Craig McRae’s side is back in the flag conversation and are marked as $7 chances with top online bookmakers to win the premiership flag.

Brisbane v Collingwood final score

Brisbane 7.11 (53)
Collingwood 16.9 (105)

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