GWS had an almighty run on in the third quarter of Saturday evening's preliminary final and when Jeremy Finlayson kicked a goal to put them 23 points up, Collingwood fans lost it.
The key position Giant took the ball out a forward-50 boundary throw-in and checksided a major, but it looked suspiciously like he'd pushed Brodie Grundy out of the contest.
Replays appeared to confirm those suspicions, with Finlayson giving the Magpies ruckman a solid shove in the back prior to the goal.
Should a free kick have been paid to Brodie Grundy for a push instead of a goal to Jeremy Finlayson? #AFLPiesGiants pic.twitter.com/Jah8MKg0dq
— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) September 21, 2019
GWS weren't fussed, extending their lead and giving themselves a real sniff of a maiden grand final appearance.
Massive push in Grundy’s back. BULLSHIT! #AFLPiesGiants
— Justin Davidson (@JustinJDavidson) September 21, 2019
How in a prelim final is that push missed?!?! Let alone the very weak 50 from a few minutes ago! Giants getting the rub in this 3rd. Giants up and about on top of it. #AFLPiesGiants
— Scott Clarke (@My_Vyss) September 21, 2019
If you can overrule a goal that was touched, surely you can overrule a goal that comes from a blatant push in the back? #AFLPiesGiants
— One Magic Loogie (@b0nestorm) September 21, 2019
You get the idea but there were plenty more where those came from.
If Collingwood were dudded by that call, there's a fair argument to say it was a square up after most felt the Pies got the rub of the green early on.
The hot favourites pre-game, Collingwood won the free-kick count 15-8 in the first half and took a three-point lead into the main break.
Whatever Giants coach Leon Cameron said at half-time had the desired effect, his side kicking five goals to none to open up a 26-point lead at the final change.
There was one more twist in the tail however, with the Pies charging home in the final quarter, partly aided by a score review howler, to cut the margin to one score.
A bruised GWS somehow managed to hold on, booking their first ever grand final appearance with a four-point win.
