Play suspended in final term of Demons, Pies clash as lightning strikes at MCG
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In crazy scenes at the MCG, the clash between Collingwood and Melbourne was stopped with nine-and-a-half minutes left to play in the final term, due to lightning.
Players and officials were forced off the ground on Friday night, with a weather warning called as the rain continued to pour down.
The game returned at 10.32pm (AEST), with the quarter running for over an hour with the delay time included.
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Collingwood then went on to take the four points, winning by 46 points.
Fans were heard booing after the umpires made the call to delay the game.
It forced both teams into their rooms, with a mandatory 20-minute break, before a reassessment of conditions.
The severe weather warning at the MCG during the Pies and Demons clahs in round 24. Getty
The Pies took a 41-point lead into that break.
While in their rooms, Collingwood took to social media to give fans a hilarious update from ruckman Mason Cox.
"I'm grateful though, because to be honest, I'd be the first person struck by lightning, being the tallest fella out there," Cox said in the video shared to the Pies' social media accounts.
"I am kind of grateful that we stopped."
Melbourne players and AFL umpires were sent off due to lightning fears at the MCG. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Both teams' seasons are already over after this match, with neither able to qualify for finals.
It's the second time a game has been delayed this season, with the Cats and Hawks also forced off in the final term of their clash on Easter Monday, due to the same circumstances.
Darcy Moore of the Magpies is seen after being subbed out of the match with concussion against the Demons. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The last time this happened in Geelong's win over Hawthorn back in round three, the game was delayed for 46 minutes.
Josh Daicos had 40 touches in the Pies victory, while his brother Nick staked another claim in his hunt for a Brownlow Medal, also collecting 40 disposals.
Meantime, there was a guard of honour for retiring umpire Ray Chamberlain, as well as retiring Melbourne forward Ben Brown.
