2002 saw Collingwood reach the finals for the first time since 1994, and the Grand Final for the first time since 1990, and not surprisingly, Betheras played a huge role in the revival. His vigour and work ethic from half forward altered the course of many matches, including his three goals against the Lions in round eight at Colonial Stadium to turn the match on its head. He also set the Pies alight with two quickfire goals in the first Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide, before rocking the MCG to its foundations with a magnificent goal from the boundary line the two weeks later against Adelaide in the Preliminary Final.
