Youi Brisbane Lions Academy forward Fergus McFadyen was the hero on Good Friday, booting a point after the siren to see the Brisbane Lions VFL side squeeze past Collingwood in a thriller.

A hot day greeted both sides at Brighton Homes Arena as the contested seesawed throughout the afternoon with the margin never exceeding more than 20 points.

Five goals to McFadyen and four to draftee Ty Gallop helped the Lions over the line 16.11 (107) to 16.10 (106).

Despite not leading at any break, the Lions kept within striking distance for much of the contest.

Led by Darcy Fort, who booted a goal, collected 28 touches, 28 hitouts and 16 clearances, staking claim to best on ground honours.

Gallop booted the Lions first after the Pies raced out of the blocks with the opening two goals, McFadyen and Will McLachlan also hit the scoreboard but Collingwood took a five-point lead into quarter time.

Deven Robertson returned to large midfield minutes this week and did not disappoint, racking up 35 possessions, 11 clearances, six marks and four tackles to lead the Lions midfield all afternoon.

The Pies kicked the first two of the second term to jump out to their largest lead of the game before the Lions responded through Darcy Craven’s first, McFadyen’s second and Gallop’s third to bring the margin back to a point.

A late Collingwood goal helped them to an eight-point half-time lead.

Gallop booted his fourth and final of the game inside the first minute of the second half to bring the game to life.

McFadyen kicked his third and McLachlan nailed his second for the afternoon, as the Lions peppered the sticks midway through the third term.

Trailing by a solitary point at the final break, Jack Manly and McFadyen got the Lions off to the perfect start in the final quarter grabbing the lead by the five-minute mark.

A run of three Collingwood goals flipped the game on its head as the match began to open up.

Both sides continued to trade goals as each team seemingly had an answer each time they were challenged.

McLachlan kicked his third and Craven, his second as McFadyen and Fort nailed their opportunities to have the Springfield faithful on the edge of their seats in the dying stages.

Darcy Gardiner was awarded a free kick in the pocket but failed to convert, leaving the game evenly poised at 106-106.

A costly Collingwood turnover saw the Lions surge forward and Youi Lions Academy product, McFadyen, take a mark just inside 50 on the stroke of full-time.

The 19-year-old went back with his most important kick of the day sailing through for the winning point after the siren to give the Lions a memorable victory.

Claiming their second win of the 2025 Smithy’s VFL season, the Lions now turn their attention to Sandringham at RSEA Park next Saturday.

 

Final Score

Brisbane 16.11 (107) def Collingwood 16.10 (106)

Goals: McFadyen 5, Gallop 4, McLachlan 3, Craven 2, Fort, Manly

Best: Fort, McFadyen, Craven, Beecken, Roberston, Gallop, Torrent