Collingwood have all but locked in an AFL top-four spot amid serious concerns over Jeremy Howe's latest setback after a narrow six-point escape against Melbourne.
Howe's horror run continued when a groin injury before halftime forced him to be subbed out before the Magpies went on to score a heart-stopping 11.16 (82) to 11.10 (76) victory at the MCG on Friday night.
Brody Mihocek (wrist) and Beau McCreery (foot) were also nursing fitness issues on what could become a costly night for Craig McRae's side.
Collingwood (16-7) sit third on the live ladder after kicking the last four goals of the match to overrun the Demons, who surged after halftime and led by 15 points during the final term.
McRae lauded his players' "fight" after they ended a three-match losing skid in posting a second win from their last seven games.
"There were critical moments there ... but probably our ability to just to take a bit more risk when we needed to," McRae said.
"Taking more risk and just a will to win. We've got a pulse now. We're alive."
The result ensures Collingwood will enter the finals on a positive note after their late-season form dip, though key defender Howe's role in the major round is in significant doubt.
The 35-year-old appeared to tell club medical staff he felt a "pop" in the groin and will have scans to determine the full extent of the damage.
"When you hear a pop, that normally means you've twanged it pretty good," AFL legend Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.
"I'd be very concerned as a Collingwood supporter after seeing him say, 'I heard a pop.' That is a genuine concern."
McRae is hopeful his star backman has avoided major damage.
"The adductor injury can be somewhat on the minor end at times," McRae said.
"They tend to heal quickly, I think, but we won't know until we get the scan.
"He may be a sneaky chance for the first final - I'm not sure."
Howe, who was in All-Australian calculations in the first half of the season, has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury and concussion in recent weeks.
A wayward start in front of goal - kicking 2.7 in the first quarter - meant Collingwood's lead was just 13 points at halftime, despite their control in general play.
It looked like the Magpies' wastefulness would cost them victory when Melbourne kicked five goals to one in the third quarter on the back of a 20-10 inside-50 count.
The Demons led by a game-high 15 points when Christian Petracca booted the first goal of the final term.
But Collingwood steadied with the next four majors, while Melbourne missed a series of shots at the other end.
Jamie Elliott and Lachie Schultz kicked two goals each for the Magpies, and Daniel McStay stepped up with the crucial last major after a quiet performance.
Jordan De Goey (26 touches, one goal) and Scott Pendlebury (21 touches) were influential figures.
Bayley Fritsch kicked three goals for Melbourne, while Petracca (28 disposals, six clearances) and captain Max Gawn fought hard.
But the Demons (7-16) ended their season with three consecutive defeats under Troy Chaplin, who took over as caretaker when Simon Goodwin was sacked this month.
"It was definitely a chance gone missing," Chaplin said of the Dees' season-ending loss.
"I'm proud of the way they played, but also disappointed because you want to win."
