2018 AFL Grand Final — West Coast Eagles Beat Collingwood By 5 Points

The 2018 AFL Grand Final saw West Coast Eagles defeat Collingwood 11.13 (79) to 11.8 (74) — a 5-point thriller at the MCG that produced one of the most-watched Grand Finals of the modern era. Played on 29 September 2018 in front of 100,022 fans, the Eagles’ premiership was a redemption tour for Adam Simpson’s coaching tenure and a coronation for a generation of West Coast players. Luke Shuey won the Norm Smith Medal; the 5-point margin made it one of the closest Grand Finals in recent years.

The Build-Up: Magpies vs Eagles

West Coast Eagles entered 2018 as a deeply experienced club. Multiple senior players (Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff, Josh Kennedy, Jeremy McGovern, Eric Mackenzie) had reached AFL prime. Adam Simpson’s coaching tenure had progressively built a finals-grade team.

Collingwood, under Nathan Buckley, also reached the Grand Final after a season of resurgence. Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom, Josh Daicos (yes, brother of Nick) — the Magpies had built a formidable list.

The Match: A 5-Point Thriller

The 2018 AFL Grand Final was played at the MCG on 29 September 2018 in front of 100,022 fans. The pre-game ceremony was standard Grand Final fare; the match itself unfolded as one of the most exciting Grand Finals of the modern era.

Collingwood started fast. Mason Cox’s goalkicking and Jordan De Goey’s pressure work produced a strong Magpies first half. By half-time, the Magpies led by 28 points.

The third quarter — the “premiership quarter” — saw West Coast launch a comeback. Multiple Eagles players stepped up: Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed (whose set-shot goal in the dying minutes became iconic), Andrew Gaff, and Josh Kennedy all contributed.

The fourth quarter was extraordinary. Dom Sheed’s set-shot goal from the boundary, with the match in the balance, became one of the most-replayed moments in modern AFL Grand Final history. The lead changed multiple times.

The final score: West Coast Eagles 11.13 (79) defeated Collingwood 11.8 (74) — a 5-point margin in a thriller.

The Norm Smith Medal: Luke Shuey

The 2018 Norm Smith Medal went to Luke Shuey of West Coast. Shuey’s 30+ disposals, 1 goal, and midfield masterclass earned the recognition. The medal launched Shuey into permanent AFL Grand Final history.

The Premiership Coach: Adam Simpson

Adam Simpson won his first Jock McHale Medal in 2018. The coaching tenure that had begun in 2014 had now produced a premiership.

Famous Moments

• Dom Sheed’s set-shot goal from the boundary — one of the most-replayed Grand Final moments of the modern era.
• Luke Shuey’s midfield masterclass — Norm Smith winning.
• Jeremy McGovern’s contested marks — defensive heroics for the Eagles.
• Mason Cox’s goalkicking — Magpies’ tall forward producing.
• Jordan De Goey’s pressure work — Magpies’ high pressure game style.
• Eric Mackenzie’s defensive role — Eagles’ tall back line.
• The 5-point winning margin — among the closest of the modern era.
• The post-match Eagles celebration — captain Shannon Hurn lifting the cup.
• Adam Simpson’s emotional Jock McHale acceptance.
• Collingwood’s gracious acknowledgement in defeat.

Trivia for the Pub

• The 2018 Grand Final was played on 29 September 2018 at the MCG.
• Final score: West Coast Eagles 11.13 (79) defeated Collingwood 11.8 (74).
• Margin: 5 points — one of the closest of the modern era.
• Crowd: 100,022.
• Norm Smith Medal: Luke Shuey.
• Jock McHale Medal: Adam Simpson (first).
• West Coast’s fourth AFL premiership (1992, 1994, 2006, 2018).
• Collingwood’s 16th Grand Final appearance (loss).
• Dom Sheed’s set-shot goal became one of the most-replayed moments.
• The Eagles’ victory came after extensive Optus Stadium home form preparation.

The Verdict

The 2018 AFL Grand Final was a 5-point thriller that produced one of the most-watched Grand Finals of the modern era. Luke Shuey’s Norm Smith, Dom Sheed’s iconic goal, and Adam Simpson’s first premiership all combined to make this Grand Final permanently memorable. Long live the 2018 Eagles.

For the Magpies, the 2018 loss was painful but suggested future contention. The 2023 Grand Final win confirmed Collingwood’s modern era; the 2018 result was a stepping stone.

For the West Coast Eagles, the 2018 premiership confirmed the post-Subiaco era. The 2018 Optus Stadium home form had been extraordinary; the Grand Final at the MCG was the appropriate final stage.