Luke Beveridge admits there was a period not so long ago when Collingwood would have toyed with his Western Bulldogs in a tight finish and seized victory.
But not anymore.
On Saturday night, it was the Bulldogs who stood up in big moments to complete a tense 14.13 (97) to 13.15 (93) win that lifted them into seventh spot on the ladder.
Inexperienced defender Michael Sellwood was the hero at Marvel Stadium, taking a courageous mark at full-back in the final minute to ensure the Dogs withstood a stern challenge.
They had led by as much as 25 points but allowed the Magpies back within one kick three times in the final term before hanging on.
"Two years ago, Collingwood were winning games like that for fun," Dogs coach Beveridge said.
"It was almost like they were toying with the competition. They were getting five or six goals down and coming back and winning.
"They're a pretty experienced team ... and so for our boys to hold sway it just continues to build spirit.
The Dogs take out a thriller under the lid 💥#AFLDogsPies pic.twitter.com/VvuoPM4GCr
— AFL (@AFL) May 30, 2026
"You don't get the ones you miss out on back, but it's one that didn't get away, which is really important in our season."
It was the Bulldogs' fifth win from as many games decided by single-figure margins this season, while they have also suffered a pair of two-goal defeats.
"It just feels good to be able to win the close ones and I think it really does build spirit," Beveridge said.
"It galvanises a group. It doesn't extinguish doubt because they're still building belief.
"But we're 7-5 and still in the mix, so hopefully we can keep building."
Collingwood have had one draw and two losses by single-figure margins in their last five outings.
In April, they also split a pair of games decided by one kick or less.
"Ultimately we're falling short in close (games)," Magpies coach Craig McRae said.
"That's probably the third close (game) we've lost and a draw.
"The season looks different in terms of ladder position if you get the job done in those, so we're close but we're not quite there."
The loss to the Bulldogs left Collingwood sitting in the final "wildcard" position with a 5-6-1 record.
"We're middle of the road. That's the reality," McRae said.
"We're a work in progress and we think there's some real growth in front of us."
