* Result: Collingwood 8.10 (58) defeated GWS 8.9 (57) in front of 97,665 fans at the MCG.

* They said: "Still pretty speechless, to be honest. What a game. It was just so high pressure. Every moment. Such a slog." - an exhausted Collingwood captain Darcy Moore.

* Key moment: Superstar Toby Greene had opportunity to put GWS back in front with four minutes to go. But his miracle snap from the boundary was marked right on the line by Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom. The Magpies did enough after to hang on in an epic.

* The stat: GWS failed to kick a goal in the opening quarter for the first time this season in a concerning start for the Giants. But Collingwood also went goal-less, in the second quarter, to record their lowest first-half of 2023.

* Injuries: Collingwood forward Dan McStay pulled up sore late in the third quarter with a suspected knee injury and was subbed out for Jack Ginnivan. GWS defender Jack Buckley spent an extended period off the ground with an ankle injury in the third term but was able to play out the game.

* What's next? Collingwood are through to their first grand final since 2018 and will face either the Brisbane Lions or Carlton in the season decider at the MCG. It's season over for the Giants, ending a brave finals run from seventh.