The Magpies kicked the first eight goals of the game to lead by 50 points at quarter-time. And after leading by 52 points at the long break, Collingwood wasted its chance to put the game beyond doubt in the third quarter, kicking a deplorable 11 points.

As always, the undermanned Dolphins showed some heart, booting a late goal into the wind, then three goals to start the last quarter and pull within six straight kicks.

But that was the last sniff they would have, as the Pies kicked the last seven goals to secure eighth place on the ladder. It was the sixth time the Dolphins had played on a big ground this year, and the sixth time their lack of system had been exposed. The average losing margin was 75 points.

James Magner continued his tremendous season, and received strong support from Tory Dickson, Marcus Marigliani and Mark Baguley, who collected 21 possessions in his best game for the club.

Despite having just 11 listed players, the Dolphins reserves made a game of it against sixth-placed Werribee, eventually falling 35 points short.

Regardless, if they defeat second-bottom Northern this Sunday they will finish the season in third position, and get a raft of players from the seniors for the finals.