Collingwood President Eddie McGuire spoke of his immense pride in his club after the Magpies came agonisingly close to winning the 2018 Grand Final.

The Pies led West Coast for most of the day, only to fall short courtesy of a Dom Sheed goal from the boundary line with minutes to play.

“It was one of the great Grand Finals, and we led it for all but two minutes. I just think the Eagles were fantastic this year,” McGuire told reporters in the rooms after the match.

“They beat us here twice, they beat us back home and there’s a genuine respect between the two organisations.

“It’s a funny feeling. We’re so proud of everything we’ve done this year. We had it just about there, but the siren goes and whoever’s in front is the champion team and West Coast is the champion team of 2018.”

Collingwood rose from 13th in 2017 to second in 2018, and McGuire acknowledged the work done by all involved to help raise the club into its first finals series since 2013.

“It’s been a wonderful year. There are so many great stories to come out of our team,” he continued.

“I’m just so proud of our club. We lived our ethos this year, we played for the community.

“The boys have learned a lot. I think everyone in our organisation is a better person as of today than what we were at the start of the year. I’ve learned so much from our players and our coaching staff.

“There’s been a great camaraderie there. There’s a wonderful foundation to build from.”