Sometimes it’s about more than four premiership points.

For Collingwood, Saturday afternoon at the MCG was about celebrating the fantastic career of an icon of not only their club but the AFL in Scott Pendlebury as he claimed the game’s record with match No.433.

For West Coast – known as Waalitj Marawar for Sir Doug Nicholls Round – it was about proving they were not a side that could be handpicked to be easy beats, even if you have 90,028 one-eyed fans on your side.

Ultimately the history books will show a fitting 10-point victory for the Magpies’ No.10, as Collingwood ensured the plucky, young Eagles would not spoil their biggest game of the year.

However, Andrew McQualter’s side gave them a run or their money in the 13.13 (92) to 12.10 (82) defeat, showcasing that while Pendlebury had been a great, they had the next generation of superstars.

While all eyes were rightfully on Pendlebury, Eagles superstar Harley Reid marked his 50th game on what many will hope won’t the last of big stages he is present for.

Reid was a lot more quiet than last week with only 20 touches and four clearances, but it his want to not be intimidated by the occasion early which inspired his team.

The 21-year-old’s intent was clear from the first minute when he put Pendlebury onto the MCG turf with his trademark don’t argue that screamed to the Magpies and their fans that West Coast weren’t here to simply be beaten.

West Coast fought from siren to siren, even not taking a backward step when the Collingwood players got in their faces after unfortunate incident which left Magpies forward Jamie Elliott with a knee injury.

McQualter was also in no mood to let Pendlebury get a free run no matter how remarkable his achievement was.

Brady Hough and No.1 draftee Willem Duursma traded time tagging the 38-year-old around the ground, ensuring he was kept to only 20 touches.

Josh Daicos (18 disposals) was followed around all day by Eagles cult hero Milan Murdock (22 disposals and a goal), while West Coast backman Reuben Ginbey convincingly beat Daniel McStay.

There wasn’t as much attention paid to Brownlow Medal fancy Nick Daicos, who showed he is simply the best in the league with 34 touches, seven clearances and three goals.

It took more than three and a half minutes for Pendlebury to get his first touch, but the most basic of handballs was meant with an incredible roar.

However, it was a bump by Pendlebury on Reid which really got the crowd and the players as well into the game.

Spot fires were starting as the tension of the game became apparent.

West Coast delivered the first blow courtesy of an Elliot Yeo crumbing goal as the Eagles made an early stance that they were not going to be intimidated the occasion.

Collingwood speedster Pat Lipinski sent the fans into raptures when he slotted a remarkable goal from the right forward pocket.

The Eagles were not going to simply let the Magpies turn up and just get the four points, they were going to have to earn it.

Collingwood had the Colliwobbles in front of goal and despite averaging 167 games experience to the Eagles 71, they looked as if they were the side more overawed by the spotlight.

The Magpies looked like they’d settled in the second term when they got their outside game going but the Eagles were up to the task.

It took until the verge of half-time for the home side to kick consecutive goals as West Coast kept the Magpies honest.

If the Eagles were going to cause an upset, they were going to need everything to go their way.

A reversed free kick at the top of the goal square to Daicos handed the home side the momentum who kicked three unanswered goals as they looked to have finally broken the contest open.

But the Eagles had come for a fight and responded with three goals of their own to be within 11 points at the final break.

It was all set up for a grandstand finish.

Collingwood wingman Roan Steele kicked his second goal to push out the home side’s lead, but West Coast came again and Yeo’s third put the packed-out MCG on the edge of their seats.

They were on their feet when Jobe Shanahan (two goals) brought the Eagles to within a kick.

McStay settled the nerves with a vital goal, but the crowd was deflated as Pendlebury was sent to the bench looking worse for wear.

With their veteran champion on the sidelines, it was their modern hero who kicked the match winner, igniting celebrations amongst the Magpie army.

Unfortunately, a late knee injury to Elliott marred the moment, with it sparking a brief scuffle between the two sides.

SCOREBOARD

COLLINGWOOD 2.6, 6.9, 10.12, 13.12 (92)

WEST COAST 3.2, 5.5, 9.7, 12.10 (82)

Goals – COLLINGWOOD: N Daicos 3 J Elliott 3 D McStay 2 R Steele 2 E Allan P Lipinski L Schultz. WEST COAST: E Yeo 3 M Champion 2 J Shanahan 2 B Hough H Johnston M Murdock J Waterman B Williams.

Best – COLLINGWOOD: N Daicos J Crisp D Cameron J De Goey J Howe J Elliott. WEST COAST: B Williams J Williams R Ginbey M Murdock H Reid J Lindsay.

Injuries – COLLINGWOOD: D Moore (hamstring) W Hayes (shoulder) J Elliott (knee).

Umpires: M Nicholls A Adair M Rodger N McGinness. Crowd: 90,028 at the MCG.