Dockers and Collingwood Draw in Thrilling Friday Night Clash at Optus Stadium

A last-minute surge by Walyalup saw them draw with Collingwood in a thrilling Friday night clash at Optus Stadium. Trailing by 25 points in the final term, the Dockers launched a remarkable comeback, scoring four consecutive goals. The match ended in a dramatic tie at 75 points each as Jeremy Sharp‘s shot on goal in the dying seconds missed.

The momentum shift came after Bailey Banfield and captain Alex Pearce narrowed the gap with crucial goals in the closing stages. A contentious free kick to Sean Darcy, awarded when Collingwood’s Lachie Sullivan failed to return the ball to the umpire, also played a significant role in Walyalup’s late rally.

Despite sustaining injuries to Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek, the Magpies showed resilience, with Nick Daicos shining with 35 disposals, 10 clearances, and nine inside 50s. Harvey Harrison and Pat Lipinski’s contributions kept Collingwood in the contest throughout.

Walyalup’s fast start and precision ball movement set the tone early in the game, but inaccuracy in front of goal allowed Collingwood to stay within reach. Josh Daicos‘s long-range goal flipped the momentum in Collingwood’s favor before the first break.

The Magpies struggled to convert their opportunities in the second quarter, allowing Walyalup to take a 13-point lead into halftime. Collingwood dominated the third term, extending their lead with relentless pressure and accurate kicking.

However, the final quarter saw a remarkable comeback from Walyalup, as they piled on goals late in the game to secure the draw. The controversial free kick to Sean Darcy and Hayden Young‘s brilliant goal off a step fueled Walyalup’s resurgence, providing a thrilling conclusion to the match.