Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron celebrates 50 AFL games with stunning win over Carlton to secure top four spot

Former North Albany ruckman Darcy Cameron played his 50th AFL game and it was one to remember as Collingwood emerged with a thrilling one-point victory over Carlton at a packed MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues led by 24 points going into the last break but the Magpies mounted a stunning late comeback, booting the last five goals of the contest to charge home and break the hearts of Blues supporters.

The win helped the Magpies secure fourth spot on the ladder and a finals double chance while the Blues missed finals for the ninth year running.

Cameron sustained a minor injury early in the contest but rallied to finish with 13 touches, 19 hit-outs and four tackles in the 11.9 (75) to 10.14 (74) epic.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, I can’t wipe the smile off my face,” Cameron said.

“You think to the start of this year, compared to where we were last year and to say we’d be in the top four, no one would have believed us but here we are.

“I’m so excited, so proud of the group and everyone involved, the admin, everyone deserves a big pat on the back because there’s been a lot of work to get to this point and I’m so happy.

“Three years ago, I had one game to my belt and I guess looking back now I’m very proud of how far I’ve come but also the group has helped me grow.

‘I’m so happy to be a part of this team because there’s a lot of people involved that helped me to get where I am.

“It’s just a great place to be because everyone just embraces you and it brings the best out in everyone’s footy.

“I was probably carrying on like a headless chook in the end (after the game) but you just let it all out and embrace it with all the others.

“There’s not one bad bloke inside these four walls and I love being here.”

Meanwhile, Albany-raised Mitch McGovern missed out on his chance of playing in his first final for the Blues after collecting 13 disposals, four marks and five tackles in defence.

Railways junior Jordan Clark helped Fremantle survive a scare from Greater Western Sydney in the Dockers’ 20-point victory at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

The Dockers held a one-point advantage at three-quarter-time but finished strongly in the 13.11 (89) to 10.9 (69) win.

Clark dazzled off half-back, amassing 22 disposals, with the speedster now set to play in the Dockers’ elimination final showdown against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Saturday, September 3.

The Magpies will face Geelong at the MCG in the first qualifying final on the same day.