IT WAS the smother that epitomised Collingwood's bravery.

Leading by a solitary point with mere seconds left on the clock, the Magpies could feel their season slipping away on Saturday night. The Eagles were surging forward in a rush of momentum that had whipped the Optus Stadium crowd into a frenzy. This would surely be it for the visitors.

EAGLES v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats