In Rohan Connolly’s (The Age) ‘The top 10 semi-finals in football history’ published earlier this week, he accounts Fitzroy’s one point loss to Collingwood in 1981 at number two in the countdown.

Here is the reasoning behind Connolly’s choice.

#2. 1981 1st semi-final, MCG: Collingwood 19.19 (133) d Fitzroy 19.18 (132)

Fitzroy had terrific teams but not a lot of finals luck in the early '80s, and this great game was another example. Collingwood got off to a flyer and led by as much as 45 points early in the third term before the Lions came charging back. Led by Matt Rendell up forward and veteran David McMahon, the Roys booted another seven in a pulsating final quarter to lead by 10 points deep into time-on. But a goal to Peter Daicos followed by a goal square scramble and an amazing snap over the head from Ross Brewer pinched the win for Collingwood.