Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
"Phenomenal": Magpies captain hailed after first class finals performance
Jaiden Sciberras • September 5th, 2025 12:48 am
Collingwood are through to a home Preliminary Final, running rampant against the Crows to remind the competition just how good they really are.
A complete contrast to Round 23, it was the Crows that flooded their forward half, however Magpie captain Darcy Moore played what could be considered the best defensive game of his AFL career.
10 first half intercepts had the Pies up by a goal at the main break despite a constant flow of Adelaide entries, with a major third term flurry credited to the work of the defensive structure in the early stages.
Finishing up with 13 disposals, 10 marks and 13 intercepts, Moore was a complete standout across the night, standing up in the absence of Jeremy Howe to secure a huge win.
“The biggest story of the night is Darcy Moore,” Gerard Whateley told AFL Nation.
“He was phenomenal. Right from his first intercept mark. He had one false moment which cost a goal. The rest of it, he was restored… on Tex (Walker)!”
“He just reads it so well, he organises everyone so well, but it’s all dependant on what is happening up the ground,” Mark Bickley added.
“When the pressure is on up the ground and you haven’t got a chance to look up and direct the footy in any way, shape or form and just bang it long, that’s what gives the opportunity to be able to play off his man, take those intercept marks.
“His positioning and the way he did it was absolutely fantastic tonight.”
SEN Fireball host David King was also complementary of the star defender’s game, commending his performance and his leadership in the Pies’ four-goal win.
“We haven’t seen Darcy Moore play a game like that for… I don’t know how long!” King told Fox Footy.
“His positioning was first class, he put Maynard where he needed to be, he put Frampton where he needed to be. He just stood out the back unopposed for 80 of the 120 minutes!
“It was a work of art from the coach’s box, and Matthew Nicks (Adelaide coach) didn’t have the answers.”
With their win, the Magpies progress into a Preliminary Final at the MCG, while the Crows will face the winner of Saturday’s Elimination Final between GWS and Hawthorn.
