Two key defenders were out of action after half-time and big forwards Travis Cloke and Jesse White failed to fire but the Pies still managed to score the win against the West Coast Eagles.

The defenders led by former captain Nick Maxwell stood tall leading the Magpies to one of their best wins of the season.

Maxwell, who is in career-best form, said after the game the game was in his top five wins of his 206-game career.

Despite criticism by commentators and public figures about his on-field efforts, Maxwell has been one of the Pies’ best this year.

His passion for the game was evident when he shared words with livewire Alex Fasolo.

Some might say those sorts of things shouldn’t be seen on the field but it showed Collingwood fans and the AFL fraternity just how important footy is to him and that the little things matter.

Alan Toovey, another underrated Collingwood back man showed what he could do, shutting down Jack Darling and taking contested marks in the dying stages of the game.

Alex Fasolo (pictured) is also a player after my own heart.

The twilight game has been described as one of the best games of the year, but for Collingwood fans it was hard to watch.

It was frustrating at times, but in the end it was two good teams going head-to-head.

It was an open, free-flowing game with the ball going from end-to-end.

Collingwood had the momentum and then West Coast would hit their straps.

It was how football should be played.

It was man-on-man, goal-for-goal, edge of your seat football and by the end of it I had no voice.

Young gun Jamie Elliott again showed maturity beyond his years.

He can play tall or short and almost took the mark of the century.

His leap is amazing to watch live.

With big Travis Cloke out of touch, Elliott is fast becoming Collingwood’s go to man.

But if Collingwood wants to finish in the top-four Cloke has to find some form.

I will admit, I almost couldn’t watch him take his shot in the last quarter, but he sneaked it home and sealed the game.

Effort isn’t the issue for Cloke, he puts in second and third efforts consistently, it’s his ability to shake off his opponent and take the mark.

It isn’t the end of the world for Clokey, he is sure to kick a bag soon.

The Pies have St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne over the next three weeks, so a top four spot isn’t out of reach.