Collingwood survived a late Demons charge to secure its place in a preliminary final for the second year running.
The Magpies came away with a 9.6 (60) to 7.11 (53) victory in front of over 90,000 fans at the MCG.
Steele Sidebottom and Jack Crisp were among the most influential for Collingwood, but it was the performance of livewire forward Bobby Hill that energised the side.
A pair of on-field collisions could catch the attention of the Match Review Officer, while a concussion will cost a Demon his chance at a semi-final.
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Angus Brayshaw, Brayden Maynard involved in collision
Angus Brayshaw was knocked out in a clash with Collingwood player Brayden Maynard early in the first quarter, ruling the Melbourne midfielder out for the remainder of the game.
The 27-year-old was stretchered off the field and is likely to enter a 12-day concussion protocol following the match, meaning he'll miss Melbourne's next match.
Angus Brayshaw was stretchered off following this incident with Brayden Maynard.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/flpBmdXtHf
— AFL (@AFL) September 7, 2023
Maynard may have a case to answer for at the MRO with the hit coming late and high after Brayshaw disposed of the ball.
The Collingwood defender, however, was caught mid-air trying to smother Brayshaw's pass and appeared to make accidental contact as he landed.
Demons forward Bailey Laurie entered as the tactical substitute to replace the experienced midfielder.
"I don't want to say too much, but it's a footy act," Maynard told Channel 7 post-match.
"I came forward, I jumped to smother the ball and unfortunately I just got him on the way down.
"So, I don't know. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
"But it's all love. I absolutely love that guy to bits. It's shattering what happened."
Bobby Hill provides spark with three goal haul
Collingwood's Bobby Hill produced a game-turning performance, as the small forward broke the game open with two opening goals.
Hill wore a high tackle from Clayton Oliver before slotting the first major of the game, then crumbed for his second goal moments later.
The 23-year-old, who arrived from GWS in last year's trade period, looked lively around the ground, exciting with his speed and slick ball use.
Bobby Hill is absolutely on fire!#YokayiFooty | #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/LGcERYd6lL
— AFL (@AFL) September 7, 2023
He finished with three goals and 13 disposals, as Collingwood earned the right to play in its second preliminary final in two years.
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Melbourne wasteful despite inside-50 dominance
Collingwood emerged victors despite continuous pressure from Melbourne, who won the inside-50 count 69-37.
The Magpies defence, led by skipper Darcy Moore and young star Isaac Quaynor, held up superbly under the pressure.
Melbourne, on the other hand, was wasteful. The side converted only 22.1 per cent of its inside-50s into scores, while kicking 11 behinds and eight misses in the match.
Jacob Van Rooyen facing suspension after Dan McStay contact
Dan McStay was taken off the ground in the second quarter, after being on the receiving end of a Jacob Van Rooyen elbow.
The Collingwood forward was given a head injury assessment, before returning to the field in the second quarter.
Van Rooyen was placed on report for the collision and could face suspension after an MRO verdict.
Dan McStay is in the rooms receiving a head injury assessment after this collision, reports @abbeycholmes.#AFLPiesDees pic.twitter.com/Yklm2cpxPl
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 7, 2023
