New father the hero
In his first game back with the Magpies after a fourseason stint with the Brisbane Lions, Dayne Beams levelled the scores in a frantic final term with his fine goal in traffic.
Callum Brown put Collingwood in front with a superb snapped effort, but in a goal that appeared to have something to do with the league’s new 6-6-6 rule, Brandan Parfitt goaled soon after the restart to set up Hawkins’s dramatic winner.
Tim Kelly was brilliant for the Cats with 31 possessions and nine clearances, with Dangerfield (27 disposals) and Tom Stewart (26) also important.
Gary Ablett had the desired influence in the forward line, booting two goals.
Adam Treloar was in every- thing for the Pies with 34 possessions and a goal, with Scott Pendlebury (24 possessions) and Jack Crisp (26) also prominent.
Collingwood eked out a nine-point lead at quarter-time but would rue wastefulness in front of goal.
With their midfield gaining the upper hand, the Pies had 11 more inside 50s than Geelong in the second quarter but did not manage a goal until Jamie Elliott kicked his third inside the last minute to give his side an 11-point halftime lead.
The Cats’ star trio of Joel Selwood, Ablett and Dangerfield sparked a resurgence after the restart, each adding goals.
Treloar and Jordan De Goey hit back, each booting brilliant goals, but scores were level at the last change, setting up the epic finale.