September 10 2022: A crowd of 90,000 spectators saw Collingwood clinically dispose of an in-form Fremantle 11.13 (79) – 9.5 (59) at the MCG.

The Dockers had previously ended the finals tilt of the Western Bulldogs with a barely believable 54-point turnaround, setting the stage for their blockbuster semi-final Saturday night clash with the Magpies.

The last five games between the two showed a fairly even split with the Dockers winning three and the Pies two.

After such an unbelievable performance in their qualifying final against the Bulldogs, were the Dockers ready to set the anchors on the Magpies’ journey?

Or like a modern-day classic were the Magpies ready to swoop?

These questions loomed in the minds of spectators as a sold-out crowd prepared for the battle at the MCG.

Perhaps reflecting their desire to continue their fairytale season the Magpies ran out in a spectacle of fire creating a scene reminiscent of warriors and their squires preparing for war.

Collingwood was quick to erupt into action with four consecutive goals, turning the water around the Dockers’ ships into ice and preventing any goals from Fremantle in the first quarter.

But the Dockers were determined not to let their ship sink.

Reminding spectators of their earlier turnaround the Dockers start the second quarter with two thunderous goals.

But by halftime, the Magpies were ahead with a 28-point lead.

In the third quarter, the much-anticipated battle between the sides turns into a one-sided onslaught as the Magpies swoop, resulting in a 32-point lead for Collingwood leading into the fourth quarter.

On social media and at the MCG, Dockers supporters desperately sought signs of life.

The fourth quarter marked the final battle and the death of the Dockers’ premiership dreams for 2022.