In a nail-biting showdown at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Collingwood Football

Club silenced critics and snapped a two-game losing streak with a commanding 93-67 win over arch-rivals Richmond Football Club in AFL Round 20. What started as a day full of unexpected scratches turned into a story of redemption, resilience, and strategic brilliance — all under the intense AFL spotlight.

The lead-up to the match was already buzzing with tension as Scott Pendlebury, the legendary former Collingwood captain, was ruled out in a last-minute change. Pendlebury’s absence due to soreness sent shockwaves through the Magpies’ fanbase. His replacement, Oleg Markov (Wikipedia), stepped into the role of substitute, while Luke Trainor was named Richmond’s sub.

But that wasn’t the only curveball.

Just 15 minutes before the first bounce, Richmond was forced to pull out their midfield maestro Tim Taranto (Wikipedia). Taranto experienced tightness in his calf during warm-ups, an “unusual one,” according to Tigers head coach Adem Yze (LinkedIn). Speaking to Fox Footy, Yze shared, “We wanted to give him until the last minute… we’d be kicking ourselves if he did something today.”

Taranto’s sudden withdrawal prompted Jasper Alger to step up as the substitute, with Luke Trainor now taking an on-field role — a development that seemed to throw Richmond’s rhythm off from the start.

A Familiar Rivalry Reignites

There’s no denying the fierce energy whenever Richmond and Collingwood clash at the MCG. This historic venue has hosted several epic encounters between these two Victorian powerhouses. Their previous five matchups provide the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes game:

• Round 20, 2024: Collingwood 14.9 (93) def. Richmond 9.13 (67)
• Round 3, 2023: Collingwood 8.15 (63) def. Richmond 7.7 (49)
• Round 8, 2022: Richmond 17.11 (113) def. Collingwood 12.14 (86)
• Round 17, 2021: Collingwood 13.9 (87) def. Richmond 11.5 (71)
• Round 2, 2020: Collingwood 5.6 (36) drew with Richmond 5.6 (36)

The Round 20 victory for Collingwood not only adds another win to their tally but also reshapes the finals race as we approach the tail-end of the AFL home-and-away season.

Who Stepped Up for Collingwood?

With Pendlebury absent, many eyes turned toward Nick Daicos (Wikipedia) and Jordan De Goey (Wikipedia) to lead the charge. And deliver they did.

Daicos dominated the midfield, racking up contested possessions and applying pressure in every clearance. Meanwhile, De Goey showcased his brilliance with three game-changing goals and several crucial inside 50s.

Mason Cox (Wikipedia), Collingwood’s American-born ruck-forward, also delivered a performance to remember, scoring a major and dominating aerial contests.

Richmond’s Faltering Midfield

While Dustin Martin (Wikipedia) showed sparks of brilliance, the absence of Taranto left a gaping hole in the Tigers’ engine room. Martin tried to carry the midfield load alongside Shai Bolton (Wikipedia), but the synergy just wasn’t there.

The Tigers found themselves scrambling for structure as Collingwood capitalized on turnovers, forcing Richmond to defend deeper than they would’ve liked.

Tactical Brilliance from Craig McRae

Collingwood coach Craig McRae (LinkedIn) deserves credit for the way he shuffled his side after the last-minute change. By using Jack Crisp and Josh Daicos in more central roles, McRae ensured midfield dominance throughout the four quarters.

His post-match comments summed it up: “Sometimes these setbacks just force you to think differently — and that worked in our favor tonight.”

The Road Ahead

With just four rounds left before finals, every match counts. Collingwood will next face Carlton Football Club (Wikipedia) in what could be another blockbuster. Richmond, on the other hand, needs to regroup and regain momentum before they risk slipping further from finals contention.

As injuries and form fluctuations shake the ladder, Round 20 was a clear message: Never underestimate the power of adaptability in the AFL.

Final Score:
Collingwood 14.9 (93)
Richmond 9.13 (67)

Next Matches:

• Collingwood vs Carlton
• Richmond vs Sydney Swans (Wikipedia)

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Round 21 of the NRL brought double drama this Sunday as the Canberra Raiders clashed with the injury-plagued Newcastle Knights, followed by a nostalgic blockbuster between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at the Sydney Football Stadium.

While Canberra aimed to cement their top-four standing, the Knights — missing key playmakers — had to dig deep just to stay competitive. In the second fixture of the day, the emotional weight of the 1995 grand final rematch was impossible to ignore, especially with both fanbases still carrying grudges from one of the fiercest eras in rugby league history.

Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights: Raiders survive late scare in gritty win

Canberra Raiders came into the clash needing a confident display. After weeks of shaky performances, fans were hungry for a statement game. They got it—well, almost. The Raiders were dominant early, but Newcastle, despite a depleted lineup, made it uncomfortable.

Matt Timoko, who bombed a sure try last week, redeemed himself with a spectacular opening try, breaking two tackles and diving over the line in the 6th minute. The 24-year-old centre had been tipped by NRL pundit Nick Campton as a likely first tryscorer — and he delivered.

“He’s due one,” Campton said. “And after how he bombed a shocker last week, he’ll be keen to get over.”

The Raiders went into halftime leading 14–6, with Jack Wighton and Hudson Young linking beautifully in midfield. The Knights, missing Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, and Daniel Saifiti, struggled to find attacking rhythm. However, Tyson Gamble, elevated to the starting halves, brought energy and direction.

The final quarter of the match saw the Knights rally behind a gritty effort from Greg Marzhew, who crashed over in the corner. But it was too little, too late. Raiders held on for a 22–16 victory.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles: 30 Years On, Tensions Still Burn

Later in the afternoon, all eyes turned to Sydney Football Stadium, where the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles met in a commemorative match — 30 years after the infamous 1995 grand final, which the Bulldogs won in dramatic fashion.

Though no trophies were at stake today, the rivalry was just as fierce.

In the lead-up, Josh Addo-Carr declared, “It’s more than just a game for us — it’s a legacy.” The atmosphere reflected his sentiment. A crowd of 30,000+ turned out, many wearing vintage jerseys, reliving memories of the ’95 grudge match.

The Sea Eagles, led by Daly Cherry-Evans, started strong, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes, with Jason Saab slicing through the defense on both occasions. Tom Trbojevic, still nursing a hamstring issue, did not feature, placing added pressure on the rest of the squad.

But the Bulldogs weren’t there to be outdone. Reed Mahoney orchestrated a sharp attack, setting up a try for Jacob Kiraz, and slotting in a 40/20 that turned momentum.

The game turned chaotic in the 68th minute when a high tackle from Manly’s Taniela Paseka sparked a full team scuffle. Both teams were warned, but no one was sent off.

Final whistle? A thrilling 18–18 draw, fitting for a fixture rooted in history.

Key Talking Points from NRL Round 21 Sunday

• Matt Timoko’s resurgence: After weeks of criticism, the young Raider responded in style and looks set to play a pivotal role in the run home.
• Newcastle’s resilience: Despite missing major players, they nearly pulled off a miracle. Their depth and spirit impressed even in defeat.
• Emotions still raw from 1995: The Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles match proved the old wounds haven’t healed. Both sides brought passion that ignited fans online and in the stadium.

What’s Next in NRL?

Next week, the Melbourne Storm face South Sydney Rabbitohs in what could be a finals preview, while the Brisbane Broncos try to bounce back after last week’s shock loss.

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In a night filled with fireworks at Warner Park, St Kitts, the third T20I between Australia and West Indies saw the record books set ablaze as Tim David thundered into cricketing history with the fastest-ever T20I century for Australia. But in a twist of narrative, it was also a night where Shai Hope quietly etched his own legacy—becoming only the second West Indian after Chris Gayle to register centuries in all formats of international cricket.

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With this six-wicket triumph, Australia sealed the T20I series 3–0, but it wasn’t just the result that had fans talking—it was how they did it.

David’s Detonation: A New Chapter in T20I Carnage

Walking in at a tricky 87 for 4, Tim David didn’t just rescue Australia—he rewrote the script entirely. Promoted higher up the order than usual (only the 8th time above No. 6 in 42 T20I innings), David unleashed a spectacle rarely seen. His 102* came off just 37 balls, eclipsing Josh Inglis’ previous record of 43 balls for the fastest Australian T20I ton.

David launched 11 sixes in his blistering assault, including four consecutive sixes off Gudakesh Motie and three more off Roston Chase, showing ruthless precision. So dominant was his presence that Mitchell Owen, who scored an excellent 36 off 16 balls in a 128-run partnership, was momentarily in danger of overshadowing the record by finishing the match early. But fate—and a misstep by Rovman Powell on the boundary—ensured David’s name would be etched in gold.

He was 90 when Brandon King dropped a sitter,” noted one commentator. “You just don’t give Tim David a second life. Not in this form.

Hope Floats: A Captain’s Knock That Made History

Though his team came up short, Shai Hope walked off with his head held high. The West Indies captain’s unbeaten 102 was a masterclass in composure, timing, and grit. Starting cautiously at 5 off 7 balls, Hope shifted gears with grace, punishing Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa in particular.

Hope reached his century from 55 balls, anchoring a formidable 125-run opening stand with Brandon King, who contributed 62 from 40 balls. In doing so, Hope joined the elite club of centurions in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, a feat previously only accomplished by Chris Gayle in West Indies cricket.

Sean Abbott: The Unsung Hero

In a game where batters ruled, Sean Abbott stood out with the ball. His spell of 4-0-21-0, including 14 dot balls, was a vital anchor for Australia. Bowling two overs in the powerplay and two during the death, Abbott ensured the West Indies couldn’t explode beyond control despite their solid start.

In a sea of sixes, Sean Abbott bowled like a lighthouse—steady, focused, and impactful,” remarked former Australian bowler Brett Lee.

Mitchell Owen Steps Up

Playing in only his debut international series, Mitchell Owen provided the perfect foil to David’s fireworks. His 36 off 16 balls may be overshadowed by the fastest hundred in Australian T20I history, but the maturity and aggression he displayed under pressure speaks volumes of Australia’s growing T20 depth.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

This series sweep for Australia will provide immense confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, while West Indies will have to reevaluate their death bowling options and middle-order strategy. Still, with Hope now firmly established as a three-format leader, there is genuine promise for Caribbean fans.

As for Tim David, his performance didn’t just break a record—it may have broken the myth that Australia doesn’t breed T20 specialists. With more consistency in the top order, he could easily become their next global franchise superstar.

MATCH SUMMARY
West Indies: 214/4 (Hope 102*, King 62)
Australia: 215/4 in 16.1 overs (David 102*, Owen 36)
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets and sealed the series 3-