AFL Western Bulldogs v Collingwood: Magpies spoil Footscray party in Friday night thriller

Collingwood has won a Friday night thriller at the MCG, outgunning Footscray in a drama-packed finish. See full SuperCoach scouting notes and more here.

Footscray’s 100-year anniversary milestone match commemorating its entry into the VFL/AFL has been spoiled by a six-point loss to Collingwood in an absolute thriller at the MCG on Friday.

In front of a Bulldogs club record home-and-away crowd of 78,027, smashing their previous best of 68,447 which stood for 51 years, the Dogs were pipped by the close-game masters 10.16 (76) to 10.10 (70).

The Magpies’ record in games decided by six points or less in the Craig McRae era is now a remarkable 20-4-2.

The game was an arm wrestle for much of the night, and it continued into the third stanza, as Collingwood’s pressure and hard-running game swung the momentum back their way, which helped them take a 15-point lead early in the final quarter.

But just as it looked like the Magpies were going to cruise to victory, the Dogs dug deep and found another gear, kicking the next three majors to draw level entering time on.

However, it was Collingwood champion Steele Sidebottom who kicked what turned out to be the winning goal when he snapped truly from congestion in the pocket with 3:28 remaining, to celebrate his record-breaking night with teammate Scott Pendlebury as the pair played an unprecedented 308th match together.

Sidebottom saved the blushes of Jordan De Goey who could have put Collingwood in front by six points a few minutes earlier, but his straightforward set shot from 30m out missed to the right, giving them only a one-point advantage.

Trailing by six points, the Bulldogs had one last gasp to pinch a draw when Harvey Gallagher roosted the ball forward from the wing with nine seconds remaining, but Collingwood ruckman Darcy Cameron was there to take a huge pack mark and ice the result.

The fact the Bulldogs were in the contest so late was a fitting tribute to the club’s famous gritty, backs-against-the-walls reputation that they’ve cultivated over the past century, as they were missing Marcus Bontempelli (calf), Adam Treloar (calf), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman (knee), Liam Jones (hamstring), Jason Johannisen (hamstring), James O’Donnell (jaw) and Luke Cleary (concussion).

Steele Sidebottom wheels off in celebration after his matchwinner.

MRO TROUBLE

However, the result could be soured for Collingwood because Jack Crisp’s bid to break the all-time consecutive games record is now in jeopardy as he could be under MRO scrutiny for his sling tackle on Rhylee West in the opening minutes, which saw the latter’s head hit the ground. Crisp has played 240 matches in a row and needs only another five to break Melbourne legend Jim Stynes’ benchmark of 244.

Rory Lobb is also facing the prospect of a suspension after his errant fist trying to spoil Mason Cox in the final quarter hit the big American flush in the face, cutting open his cheekbone and flooring him for multiple seconds before he eventually made his way from the field.

Reef McInnes left the field following this incident.#AFLDogsPiespic.twitter.com/bf9XRowH89

— AFL (@AFL) March 21, 2025

MCINESS HURT

And Collingwood defender Reef McInnes was subbed out in the first five minutes after suffering a suspected ACL rupture in his right knee. He hobbled from ground with the assistance of medical staff, unable to put weight on the leg.

DAICOS LIGHTS IT UP

Nick Daicos (39 disposals) was inspirational, as were Pendlebury (26) and Sidebottom (22 and two goals) in their shared milestone game.

Meanwhile, for the Dogs, Tom Liberatore (34) never stopped trying and Sam Darcy (four goals) was a constant threat up forward.

Nick Daicos had a huge second half and finished with 39 disposals.

DOGS START FAST

The Bulldogs made a red-hot start to the game, booting the first three goals on the back of an early 3-0 centre-clearance buffer, to lead by 22 points.

The Dogs’ forward efficiency was levels about Collingwood’s early on. At one stage, the inside-50 count was tied 6-6, yet the Bulldogs were 3.3 to the Magpies’ 0.0.

In fact, each of the Bulldogs’ first seven inside 50s produced a score as their fast ball movement caught Collingwood off guard. However, unfortunately for them, more behinds were registered than goals, and after enduring the early onslaught, the Magpies settled and the momentum shifted back their way with nine of the next 13 majors.

Originally published as AFL Western Bulldogs v Collingwood: Magpies spoil Footscray party in Friday night thriller