1. Preliminary Final
Collingwood 15.7 (97) defeated Richmond 8.10 (58) at the MCG

The Pies flew out of the blocks, shocking the reigning premiers by kicking 10 goals to two in the first half. The Tigers mounted a couple of brief comebacks, but Collingwood kicked away in the last quarter to advance to its first Grand Final since 2011. Mason Cox and Jordan De Goey were dominant up forward, while Steele Sidebottom, Taylor Adams and Brodie Grundy ran riot in the midfield.

2. Round 4
Collingwood 16.10 (106) defeated Adelaide 9.4 (58) at Adelaide Oval

The pundits tipped a big win for Adelaide, but Collingwood turned those expectations on their head by kicking five goals to one in the opening quarter. The Pies went on with the job from there, scoring an impressive 48-point win that had the footy world pondering if the tide had turned for Nathan Buckley's side. Jaidyn Stephenson kicked five goals in just his fourth AFL match.

Jordan De Goey celebrates a goal in the boilover win over Adelaide (AFL Photos)

3. Round 12 (Queen's Birthday)
Collingwood 20.13 (133) defeated Melbourne 14.7 (91) at the MCG

Before a crowd of almost 84,000, the Pies largely controlled the contest from start to finish. Mason Cox led the way up forward, booting five goals, and he later received the three Brownlow Medal votes. Will Hoskin-Elliott and Jaidyn Stephenson each kicked four goals. The win saw Collingwood climb into the top six, with an 8-4 record.

Mason Cox is all smiles after receiving the Big Freeze trophy from Neale Daniher (AFL Photos)

4. Round 22
Collingwood 17.13 (115) defeated Port Adelaide 10.4 (64) at the MCG

The Pies led by just 13 points at three-quarter time, but they exploded in the last quarter, kicking seven goals to one. The win confirmed Collingwood would make its first appearance in the finals since 2013. Brodie Grundy (25 disposals, 42 hit-outs, one goal) produced an extraordinary performance and was later handed the three Brownlow Medal votes.

5. Round 5 (ANZAC Day)
Collingwood 14.17 (101) defeated Essendon 7.10 (52) at the MCG

A crowd of more than 91,000 saw a contest the began as a war of attrition before the Pies kicked away by piling on six goals to three in the last quarter. Adam Treloar (34 disposals, two goals) won the ANZAC Medal, although Steele Sidebottom (25 disposals, three goals) later polled the three Brownlow Medal votes.

Adam Treloar in full flight against the Bombers (AFL Photos)