Collingwood coach Craig McRae has refused to blame a controversial umpiring decision for his side’s loss to Brisbane in the preliminary final.

The Magpies were trailing by 12 points with just under 10 minutes remaining, when they looked certain to cut the margin to a single kick.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jamie Elliott denied free kick.

Tim Membrey marked the ball about 35m out from goal and chose to loft a pass over the top to an unmarked Jamie Elliott.

But Brandon Starcevich came from front-on to spoil the ball and take out Elliott.

It looked like a free kick would be paid for front-on contact, but the umpire called play on and the Lions took the ball down the other end a minute later to extend their lead to 18 points.

It was a classic two-goal swing and snuffed out any hopes of a

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