SNAPSHOT OF THE RICHMOND-COLLINGWOOD AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL
* Result: Collingwood 15.7 (97) def Richmond 8.10 (58) in front of 94,959 at the MCG.
* The lowdown: Collingwood out-Richmonded Richmond. Nathan Buckley's side thrashed the minor premiers for intensity from the first bounce and enjoyed a match-winning 44-point lead at halftime. Jack Riewoldt kicked five as the Tigers threatened but the Magpies weren't letting it slip.
* Key moment: Mason Cox and Jordan De Goey took huge second-quarter marks and converted, but Adam Treloar's late intervention was absolutely critical. Treloar snapped a fine goal to end a run of four straight Richmond goals to effectively end the Tigers' hopes.
* Key stats: Taylor Adams and Steele Sidebottom were superb in the engine room, sharing 40 touches to halftime when the match was won.
* Injuries: Jeremy Howe and Jordan De Goey needed treatment for leg issues but both returned to the field. The big injury question is what was Dustin Martin carrying into the match? The Tigers' key man was parked in the forward line for much of the contest.
* What's next? Collingwood have a chance to earn a 16th flag - and tie Carlton and Essendon on top of the all-time list - in Saturday's grand final. Richmond coach Damien Hardwick will console himself by unveiling Gold Coast captain Tom Lynch as a free agent arrival.
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