AFL Finals Week: Preliminary Final Scores, Results, Starting Odds, Team Squads, and Match Start Time at the MCG, Melbourne

news: Scott Pendlebury, a key player for the Magpies, suffered a calf injury during a pivotal match against the Lions, potentially impacting their Grand Final hopes.">

September 20, 2025

A fiercely contested match unfolded today as the Magpies faced off against the Lions, marked by intense physicality and aggressive tackling. Though, the game’s narrative took a notable turn with an early injury to Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury.The veteran midfielder exited the field due to a strained calf, a development that casts doubt on his availability for a potential Grand Final appearance.

Early Setback Dampens Magpies’ Momentum

The Magpies initially drew first blood, with Mason Cox capitalizing on a free kick earned after a blocking call against Dayne Zorko. Yet, the Lions swiftly seized control of the game, capitalizing on the psychological impact of Pendlebury’s departure. The team displayed resilience and strategic adjustments throughout the first quarter.

Lions’ Tactical Shift Proves Effective

Despite initial intentions from coach Chris Fagan to employ a corridor-based offensive strategy, the Lions deviated from their typical approach.This proved highly successful, enabling them to secure four consecutive goals. Josh Dunkley initiated the scoring with an intercept mark, followed by a free kick awarded to Zac bailey. Logan Morris then elevated his game with a towering mark, and Ty Gallop completed the surge with a rapid snap.

Key Battles and Individual Performances

Josh Dunkley, renowned for his tenacious tagging skills, effectively neutralized the impact of jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos, preventing them from igniting the Magpies’ offense. Simultaneously occurring, Hugh McCluggage, despite being closely monitored by Steele Sidebottom, managed nine possessions for the Lions, though his territorial gain was limited to 72 metres.Substitute Roan Steele entered the game, marking only his fifth appearance, stepping in for the injured Pendlebury.

What Lies ahead for the Magpies?

The Magpies now face a critical juncture, needing to rediscover their form and inspiration in the second quarter. Failure to do so could jeopardize their chances of progression to the Grand Final. The team’s ability to overcome this early adversity will be pivotal in determining their fate.

Team	first Quarter Goals	Key Players
Magpies	1	Mason Cox, Scott Pendlebury (injured)
Lions	4	Josh Dunkley, Zac Bailey, Logan Morris, Ty Gallop

Did You know? Calf strains are among the most common injuries in Australian Rules football, accounting for approximately 15% of all injuries reported annually. (Sports Medicine Australia)

Will the Magpies be able to rally without their captain? And can the Lions maintain their momentum and secure a dominant victory?

Understanding the Impact of Key Player Injuries

Injuries to pivotal players can dramatically alter the course of a sporting contest. The absence of a leader like Scott Pendlebury not only impacts on-field performance but also has a psychological effect on the entire team. Coaches and teammates must adapt quickly, often relying on less experienced players to step up and fill the void. History shows that teams that effectively manage key player injuries and maintain team cohesion are often the most successful in the long run.

Frequently Asked questions

• What is the severity of Scott Pendlebury’s injury? The injury is highly likely to rule him out of next week’s Grand Final.
• How did the Lions adjust their strategy? The Lions opted against their typical corridor-based approach, opting for a different offensive style.
• Who replaced Scott Pendlebury? Roan Steele replaced Pendlebury, making it his fifth game.
• What role did Josh Dunkley play in the match? Dunkley effectively tagged Jordan De Goey and nick Daicos,limiting their impact.
• What is the significance of the first quarter in this match? The first quarter set the tone, with the Lions dominating after Pendlebury’s injury.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below! What impact do you foresee this injury having on the Magpies’ season?

## 2025 AFL Finals Series – Recap & Grand Final Preview

Preliminary Final 1: Collingwood vs. GWS Giants – Score & Results

The first Preliminary Final, held on September 13th, 2025, saw a thrilling contest between collingwood and the GWS Giants.

* Final Score: Collingwood 14.12.96 defeated GWS Giants 12.8.80

* Key Performers (Collingwood): Jamie Elliott (4 goals), Jordan De Goey (32 disposals, 1 goal), Nick Daicos (28 disposals, 8 tackles).

* Key Performers (GWS Giants): Toby Greene (3 goals),Stephen Coniglio (25 disposals,1 goal),Lachlan Whitfield (24 disposals).

* Attendance: 92,356 at the MCG.

* Result Significance: Collingwood advances to the AFL Grand Final.

Preliminary Final 2: Brisbane Lions vs. Port adelaide – Score & Results

The second Preliminary Final, played on September 14th, 2025, delivered a high-scoring affair between the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide.

* Final Score: Brisbane Lions 16.15.111 defeated Port Adelaide 14.10.94

* Key Performers (Brisbane Lions): Charlie Cameron (5 goals), Lachie Neale (35 disposals, 1 goal), Josh dunkley (28 disposals, 2 goals).

* key Performers (Port Adelaide): zak Butters (34 disposals, 1 goal), Connor Rozee (26 disposals, 2 goals), Jeremy Finlayson (3 goals).

* Attendance: 88,721 at the MCG.

* Result Significance: Brisbane Lions advances to the AFL Grand Final.

AFL Grand Final Match Details

The 2025 AFL Grand Final is set to be a blockbuster between Collingwood and the Brisbane lions.

* Date: September 27th, 2025

* Time: 2:30 PM (AEST)

* Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne

* Broadcast: Live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and streaming via Kayo Sports.

Preliminary Final Starting Odds (Pre-Match)

Hear’s a look at the starting odds before each Preliminary Final, sourced from leading Australian sports betting agencies:

Preliminary Final 1: Collingwood vs. GWS Giants

* Collingwood: $1.45

* GWS Giants: $2.65

* Line: Collingwood -13.5

Preliminary Final 2: Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide

* Brisbane Lions: $1.60

* Port Adelaide: $2.40

* Line: Brisbane Lions -8.5

(Odds are subject to change. Please check with your preferred betting provider for the most up-to-date information.)

Team Squads – Preliminary Finals (Confirmed Lineups)

Collingwood Final Squad:

* B: Maynard, Moore, Howe

* HB: Madgen, Noble, Wilson

* M: Sidebottom, Oliver, Daicos

* FWD: Elliott, Mihocek, McCreery

* R: Grundy, De Goey, Crisp

* interchange: Cameron, Johnson, Hoskin-Elliott, Begley

GWS Giants Final Squad:

* B: Taylor, Haynes, Samual

* HB: Whitfield, Ward, Bruhn

* M: Coniglio, Hopper, Green

* FWD: Greene, Himmelberg, lloyd

* R: riccardi, Finlayson, Callaghan

* Interchange: Perryman, Buntine, Johnson, Belim

Brisbane Lions Final Squad:

* B: Harris, Cutler, Wilmot

* HB: Starcevich, Andrews, Ashcroft

* M: neale, Dunkley, Berry

* FWD: Cameron, Zorko, Bailey

* R: Hipwood, Lyons, McCluggage

* Interchange: Martin, Rayner, Fletcher, Robertson

Port Adelaide Final Squad:

* B: Aliir, Jonas, Burgoyne

* HB: powell, Ladhams, Mayes

* M: Butters, Rozee, Wines

* FWD: finlayson, Marshall, Duursma

* R: Dixon, Houston, Amon

* Interchange: Drew, Farrell, Rioli, Lord

(Squads are subject to late changes. Refer to the official AFL website for the most accurate team lists.)

MCG – A Finals Fortress

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has a rich history of hosting AFL Finals, and especially Preliminary Finals and Grand Finals. Its capacity of over 100,000 creates an electric atmosphere.

* MCG Capacity: 100,024

* MCG location: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3121

* Public Transport: Easily accessible by