'Embarrassing': Why the AFL world is baffled with this photo

AFL fans were left perplexed after Geelong and Collingwood wore similar colours on their jerseys, which made viewing on TV and at the stadium difficult.

Fans took to social media to ask why teams did not use a ‘clash jumper’ to avoid the horrible viewing from a distance for the final’s game.

Channel 7 commentators Brian Taylor and Bruce McAvaney raised the issue on air while viewing the match at the MCG.

Brisbane Lions’ Alex Witherden also took to social media to lead the chorus of confusion to why the issue wasn’t addressed before such an important match.

Fox Sports reporter Daniel Garb echoed the sentiment that the simple solution to a jumper clash should have been dealt with by the AFL before the game.

The last time Geelong hosted Collingwood at the MCG in 2017, the Cats were wearing white shorts (not navy) and the Pies wore black (not white).

Collingwood steal win

The biggest weather problem for Geelong on Friday night turned out to be Hurricane Brodie.

Collingwood's All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy continued his outstanding season in the qualifying final at the MCG, taking full toll of the Cats' risky late change.

With wet conditions forecast, Geelong pulled out frontline ruckman Rhys Stanley and brought in midfielder Sam Menegola.

That meant Mark Blicavs had to shoulder the ruck duties, meaning he could not help out in defence.

Right from the start it was clear Grundy was going to have a big night and the selection gamble was going to hurt the Cats.

As Collingwood took control in the first quarter, Grundy had 10 hitouts to Geelong's three.

But what makes Grundy especially damaging is his mobility and work at ground level, effectively making him an extra midfielder for the Magpies.

His statistics summed up another outstanding performance - 48 hitouts, 21 disposals and 15 contested possessions.

And given Collingwood's injury woes, they needed their stars such as Grundy to shine.

By midway through the third term, they were down to two fit men on the bench.

Jordan De Goey went off in the second term with hamstring tightness - a huge blow given this was his first game back after more than a month out with the same injury.

Levi Greenwood also was out of action thanks to a knee injury in the third term.

Geelong were pressing 21 minutes into the third term and only trailed by 19 points.

It felt a lot closer.

Then captain Scott Pendlebury stepped up with a booming snapped goal that stopped the Cats dead in their tracks.

Rewind the video - there's the handball to Pendlebury from Jaidyn Stephenson, who was on the end of a deft ruck tap.

No prizes for guessing who won that critical ruck duel.