Collingwood has given Nathan Buckley a "fairytale" farewell by defeating a ladder-leading Melbourne side in the annual Queen's Birthday clash.
The Magpies played with energy from the first bounce, taking the battle right up to Melbourne, before holding off a second-half comeback to run out 11. 14. (80) to 9. 9. (63) winners at the SCG.
Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury was awarded the Neale Daniher Trophy for a best-on-ground performance with 31 disposals to go along with a goal.
"It was great to send you out on that note mate, that was awesome, well done," Pendlebury said to Buckley after the win.
"Three-quarter time was a little bit emotional but we stuck to the task and got it done.
"The hole left by a guy like Bucks I don't know if it ever gets replaced. He's a champion on and off the field."
Fittingly, it was one of Collingwood's longest-serving players, Steele Sidebottom, who kicked the final goal of the match after the final siren as Buckley shared hugs with everyone in his coaches' box.
"The boys were amazing. It's a solid four-quarter performance against a team that's been playing really well," Buckley told Seven after the match.
"It's going to be a pretty good footy team, they're on their way."
In stirring scenes described as "a black and white fairytale" from Seven commentator Hamish McLachlan, Buckley and his players did a lap of the SCG before he led the Magpies off the field alongside his two sons to a rapturous applause from the Magpie army.
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In a telling sign that he had not lost his players as had been reported at times throughout the season, it was some of Buckley's longest-serving players that stood up big.
Much-maligned forward Jordan De Goey produced his best performance of the year, finishing with 33 disposals, while rugged defender Brayden Maynard added 32 touches of his own to go along with 13 marks.
Melbourne's efforts were led by Christian Petracca (27 disposals) and Clayton Oliver (24 disposals), while young gun Luke Jackson also added 21 disposals and two goals.
Both Melbourne and Collingwood will enjoy a bye in Round 14, before Collingwood faces Fremantle in Round 15, while Melbourne will face Essendon.
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