🚨 “IT’S TERRIBLE, I MAY NEVER SEE A PLAYER THIS GREAT AGAIN IN MY LIFE” — Craig McRae, Collingwood coach, exclaimed in despair after the bitter 65-119 defeat to the Brisbane Lions in the opening game of Round 4.
In the humid cauldron of the Gabba on a Thursday night that felt more like a finals blockbuster than an early-season clash, the Brisbane Lions dismantled Collingwood with ruthless efficiency, running out 54-point winners in a display that left the Magpies coach searching for words. The final score of 17.17 (119) to 10.5 (65) told only part of the story. What unfolded was a masterclass in creativity and execution, spearheaded by one unlikely hero whose performance left even the opposition in stunned admiration.
Craig McRae, the 52-year-old South Australian at the helm of Collingwood, has built a reputation for measured post-match analysis and tactical insight. But on this night, his usual composure cracked. Speaking to reporters in the aftermath, McRae’s voice carried a mix of frustration and awe. “It’s terrible,” he said. “I may never see a player this great again in my life.” He insisted his team had not been beaten tactically. Instead, they were simply outplayed by the sheer brilliance and inventiveness of a single Lions player who turned the game into his personal canvas.
The player in question was one few outside Brisbane’s inner circle would have predicted to dominate proceedings. Entering the match amid injuries and selection headaches for the Lions, this emerging talent had flown largely under the radar. Yet at the Gabba, in front of a passionate home crowd, he exploded into life, creating chance after chance, linking play with vision that belied his limited senior experience, and inspiring his teammates to a dominant victory. His creativity in traffic, precision in delivery, and ability to manufacture scoring opportunities from nothing left Collingwood’s usually disciplined defense chasing shadows.
The context of the match added extra weight to the result. Collingwood arrived missing key personnel, including captain Darcy Moore and veteran Scott Pendlebury, with star Nick Daicos withdrawing late due to a calf issue. Despite these setbacks, the Magpies had shown defensive resolve in earlier rounds. But against the Lions’ slick ball movement and forward pressure, they struggled to contain the wave after wave of attacks. Brisbane, themselves dealing with absences in the backline including Harris Andrews serving suspension, leaned on depth and adaptability. That adaptability paid dividends in spectacular fashion.
From the opening bounce, the Lions asserted control. They moved the ball with speed and purpose, exploiting space and forcing Collingwood into turnovers. The surprise performer was at the heart of it all—reading the play, winning contests he had no right to, and delivering the kind of instinctive football that separates the elite from the rest. He wasn’t the marquee name in the Lions lineup, yet his influence grew with every quarter. By half-time, the damage was done, and the second half became a procession as Brisbane piled on goals through coordinated efforts sparked by his creativity.
McRae’s comments highlighted a rare admission from a coach known for protecting his players. “We prepared well, we had structures in place, but sometimes you just run into something special,” he reflected. “This wasn’t about matchups or game plans failing. It was one guy who made us look ordinary.” The South Australian tactician emphasized that his side’s effort was not lacking, but they were outclassed by individual genius on the night. It was a bitter pill for a Collingwood outfit that prides itself on resilience and collective strength.
For Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, the win marked a much-needed response after a choppy start to the 2026 season. The Lions had shown glimpses of their back-to-back premiership form in patches but needed a statement performance. This was it. The home crowd roared as the team clicked into gear, with the unexpected star providing the spark that ignited the engine. His ability to create one-on-one wins and set up teammates echoed the kind of football that defined Brisbane’s successful campaigns. Teammates fed off his energy, and the scoreboard reflected the growing momentum.
The victory was comprehensive across the board. Brisbane dominated stoppages and contested possessions, converting efficiently inside forward 50. Collingwood managed moments of resistance, with players like Josh Daicos (before his withdrawal) and others fighting hard, but they lacked the polish to match the Lions’ cohesion. The final margin of 54 points flattered neither side’s effort in patches, but it underscored Brisbane’s superiority on the night. Kai Lohmann and others contributed significantly in front of goal, yet the narrative belonged to the creative force who made it all possible.
This result sends ripples through the competition. For Collingwood, it’s a reality check early in the season. McRae’s side has the talent and system to bounce back, but nights like this remind everyone of the fine margins at the top level. The coach’s despairing praise for the opponent’s standout performer may serve as motivation moving forward, a reminder of the standards required to compete with premiership contenders.
Brisbane, meanwhile, will take confidence from the display. Their ability to plug gaps with young or reshaped players speaks to the depth Fagan has cultivated. The surprise performer’s emergence adds another dimension to an already formidable lineup. As the season progresses, teams will need to find answers for such dynamic threats. For now, Lions fans can celebrate a statement win that reaffirms their status as benchmarks.
The Gabba has long been a fortress for Brisbane, and this match reinforced why. The atmosphere, the execution, and the individual brilliance combined to create a memorable evening. McRae’s post-match remarks will likely be replayed often—not as criticism of his own men, but as genuine acknowledgment of excellence. In a league where tactical battles often decide outcomes, raw creativity and inspiration from an unexpected source can still trump the best-laid plans.
As the 2026 AFL season unfolds, this Round 4 opener sets an intriguing tone. Collingwood will regroup, leaning on their defensive foundations and leadership to climb the ladder. Brisbane looks poised to build momentum, with new heroes stepping up when needed. For one young Lion, a night of magic may just be the beginning of something special. And for Craig McRae, it was a humbling lesson in the enduring appeal of the game: sometimes, one player can make all the difference.