WITH the players it had missing, both by choice and by injury, and with the young team it fielded, Collingwood's victory over Adelaide yesterday was a win to rival the club's most emotional finals victories, according to senior forward Paul Medhurst.

The Magpies will now play the loser of today's qualifying final between St Kilda and Geelong next Saturday night at the MCG.

Collingwood came from 24 points down in the second quarter to end Adelaide's year in a performance of grit that came with a warning from Magpie coach Michael Malthouse against complacency.

"We can't be satisfied. It was a great result but we can't sit back now and be satisfied that we have won our first final," Malthouse said.

Full-back Simon Prestigiacomo injured his shoulder in the first quarter, but having played out the game, albeit barely unable to raise his left arm, the club was hopeful he was a chance to play next week.

With Shane Wakelin having been fit and overlooked for this game, he would appear likely to fill the breach if needed.

Captain Scott Burns was already running laps of the ground at the end of the game as the team was being cheered from the field and will be fit for next week.

Anthony Rocca said after the match he remained a chance to play should the side make the preliminary final.

Medhurst, a player of increasing stature, said the depleted nature of yesterday's team with not only Alan Didak and Heath Shaw missing but also Burns, Rocca, Ben Reid and Sean Rusling out made the win special.

"The first thing that comes to mind is the West Coast game last year. I think there were a lot of similarities. You would probably think today was a better one because of the personnel we had out there — six first final players," Medhurst said.

"To win with the guys we had out there it is pretty special, really. It's a funny one. As a neutral observer, you would have to say it has been the best thing for the club (dropping Didak and Shaw) because it has unearthed players. Chris Dawes was important today and there is an argument to say he may not have got a go if the others were in the side, so I think there are always positives."

Medhurst finished the match with one goal but created at least three others. He was also given a behind in the second quarter for a snap that the goal umpire indicated hit the post but replays suggested had gone through for a goal. Medhurst himself believed it a goal.

"A hundred per cent I thought it was a goal, so I was surprised it was not given. He is in the best spot, but that is footy," Medhurst said.

Malthouse said that overcoming Adelaide's second-term lead was a moment of great character.

"Adelaide remind me of the German soccer side — once they get in front, they are happy with a one-nil lead and they will defend it and win the game.

"That was why it was so important not let them get in front, which they did, and we were able to rebound in that third quarter, which was terrific," he said.

"Both back lines, and particularly ours at times, were pretty loose and (paid) a pretty heavy price. We will be better for it next time because there were a lot of young players back there and they will benefit from that game."

Malthouse said he coached sides to play finals-type football all year, so when September came, there was little issue with players adapting to a style of game. He said he judged players on their finals performances and those who failed in finals might as well leave the club.

"Our player group know without a shadow of doubt they are comprehensively assessed by myself by the way they perform in finals and I have seen some terrific players, players who finish high up in the Brownlow or club best-and-fairests not handle the occasion. At the end of the day, those players are better off moving out and finding another club because you have got to be able to trust players," Malthouse said.

He praised Dane Swan's game, admitting that his two goals before half-time significantly swung the momentum in the match.

"I had a go at him four or five weeks ago that he was not kicking goals. He had a number of shots but since then, I think he might have missed one or two and he has kicked very well," he said.

Swan was among Collingwood's best along with Leon Davis, Martin Clarke and Josh Fraser, while the deadly accurate John Anthony kicked three goals. Dale Thomas' second half was crucially important.