A Battle Beyond the Scoreboard
Every Queen’s Birthday, the clash between Melbourne and Collingwood draws more than just footy fans—it captures the spirit of tradition, rivalry, and a greater cause. Played under the banner of the annual Big Freeze, Monday’s encounter saw two AFL heavyweights go head-to-head at the MCG, but it was emotion, not just execution, that shaped the afternoon.
Collingwood emerged with a gritty 12-point victory in front of a packed house of over 80,000, yet the spotlight wasn’t solely on the scoreboard—it was on the passion, pressure, and pride worn on the faces of stars like Max Gawn, Steven May, and the Daicos brothers.
Credit: GARY DAY/AAPIMAGE
Gawn and May Wear Their Frustration
As Melbourne’s captain Max Gawn walked off the field, his disappointment was hard to miss. Visibly emotional, the ruckman held back tears after a performance where he gave everything but came away empty-handed.
Steven May, ever the fiery competitor, clashed with multiple opponents throughout the game and had a heated exchange with the umpires late in the fourth quarter. While both players have led from the front this season, Monday’s loss cut deeper than most.
Coach Simon Goodwin defended his stars post-match.
“They care deeply. You don’t get that reaction unless the stakes matter. And they matter here,” Goodwin said.
The Daicos Show Rolls On
It’s quickly becoming the norm: Nick Daicos takes the stage, and the game bends to his rhythm. The 21-year-old midfield magician was again electric, collecting 32 disposals, two goal assists, and nine clearances.
Josh Daicos wasn’t far behind, with 26 touches and a goal of his own, giving Collingwood’s engine room the pace and polish that ultimately broke Melbourne open in the second half.
Nick and Josh Daicos celebrate a third-quarter surge against Melbourne.
Source: AFL Media
Pendlebury’s Milestone, McRae’s Moment
Playing his 392nd match, Scott Pendlebury demonstrated yet again why he continues to be a steadying influence and key leader in Collingwood’s lineup. Calm under pressure, composed with the ball, and crucial in transition, Pendlebury’s leadership steadied the Magpies when Melbourne came hard early.
After the siren, coach Craig McRae was visibly moved—not just by the win, but by the moment. Speaking on the Big Freeze initiative, McRae shared how deeply it resonates with him and the team.
“This game means more than premiership points. It’s about people. It’s about purpose,” McRae said, referring to the annual fight against MND (Motor Neurone Disease).
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AFL Live Scores: A Game of Runs
The AFL live scores tell only part of the story. Melbourne led by 14 points at half-time, courtesy of dominant inside-50 pressure and clinical forward entries. But a blistering 6-goal third quarter from Collingwood, including a 90-second double from Jamie Elliott, turned the tide.
Despite late pushes from Christian Petracca and Bayley Fritsch, the Collingwood defence, led by Darcy Moore and Isaac Quaynor, held firm to seal the win:
Collingwood 13.8 (86) def. Melbourne 11.8 (74)
What It Means Going Forward
For Melbourne, this loss raises tactical questions ahead of their next clash. Their midfield rotations lacked consistency after halftime, and key forwards failed to convert under pressure. Supporters of the Melbourne Demons will be looking for stronger coordination between Gawn and Grundy as the season progresses.
As for Collingwood, the win reinforces their reputation as clutch performers. With key figures like Pendlebury, Darcy Moore, and the Daicos duo firing, they’ll enter the second half of the season brimming with confidence.
A Bigger Cause
As always, the Big Freeze at the ‘G was a resounding success, raising millions for MND research and celebrating the courage of Neale Daniher. Celebrities, coaches, and AFL legends took the icy plunge to raise awareness—and the moment resonated across both clubs.
Conclusion: Beyond Rivalry, It’s About Resolve
The Melbourne v Collingwood rivalry delivered another fierce chapter—but it was the emotional weight, the charitable mission, and the visible strain on AFL’s biggest stars that made it unforgettable. For fans, it wasn’t just about AFL scores or ladder implications—it was about the people behind the guernseys.
And sometimes, that’s what footy is really about.
