COLLINGWOOD has escaped a nailbiter in Perth with a narrow win and the double chance for its first finals appearance in five years.

Fremantle led for much of the game before two goals to Brody Mihocek put the Magpies in front and Josh Thomas sealed the win.

Richmond will head into the finals unbeaten at the MCG this year — but only after a huge scare from the Western Bulldogs.

In Geelong, the Cats tuned up for September with their second triple-figure win in a row, mauling Gold Coast by 102 points.

The top eight will be shaped tonight when Sydney and Hawthorn clash in a mini-final — the winner gets the double chance. The Swans suffered a double blow before the bounce with Lance Franklin and Luke Parker out with groin injuries.

Carlton and Adelaide meet in the other Saturday night fixture.