COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse was troubled enough by some element of the umpiring in last night's close game at the Gabba that he intends to call umpires boss Jeff Gieschen next week.

While Malthouse would not elaborate on his query after the Pies' two-point loss, for fear of being fined, he left little doubt he was unimpressed. "I'd say in 12 months I haven't spoken to Jeff Gieschen but I think I might ring him next week," he said.

Asked what he would raise with Gieschen, he said: "We're totally restricted, as you would know, so I'd appreciate it if you don't ask questions that are going to get the coach fined. What I've said is enough; I'm going to be talking to Jeff Gieschen this week."

In the tense final term, Brisbane Lions were was granted several shots on goal from free kicks that were crucial in dragging the team back into the contest.

Late in the game, Magpie defender Harry O'Brien was penalised for pushing Jonathan Brown — Brown missed his shot but, after winning a second free, converted. In the second instance, his young opponent Nathan Brown was penalised.

Lion Josh Drummond injured a quad muscle.