Melbourne's near-upset of Collingwood in a pulsating AFL match at the MCG was "totally predictable" to Magpies coach Mick Malthouse.

With seconds left, a desperate spoil from Steele Sidebottom stopped Ricky Petterd from taking a juggled mark in the goalsquare and Collingwood held on to win 12.14 (86) to 12.13 (85).

The Demons were shattered when the final siren sounded and they had the look of a team that had just lost the grand final.

Petterd, probably best afield with four goals, repeatedly smashed the ground in frustration.

Most people would not have expected such a tight match, given the Magpies opened their season last weekend with a resounding win over the Western Bulldogs and the Demons were so poor in the first half against Hawthorn.