Collingwood emerged victorious over the Western Bulldogs with a thrilling six-point win at the MCG on March 21, 2025, thrilling their fans and showcasing their ability to win tightly contested matches. The thrilling game, played in honor of the Bulldogs' 100th anniversary in the VFL/AFL, ended with a final score of 10.16 (76) to 10.10 (70). The Bulldogs, playing under their former name 'Footscray' for the night, made a fierce start, quickly establishing a 22-point lead in the first quarter.
Collingwood, however, responded well, demonstrating a robust fighting spirit. Coach Craig McRae praised the Bulldogs' performance, noting, "Credit to the Bulldogs, I thought they played really, really well. They got a lot of their best players out, and they just fought right to the last bit, which challenged us." The match proved reminiscent of Collingwood's competitive spirit during their run to the 2023 premiership, although it featured several new recruits like Dan Houston, Harry Perryman, and Tim Membrey.
The game saw an impressive attendance of 78,027 fans, setting an all-time home attendance record for the Bulldogs. It was also a historic moment for Collingwood veterans Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, as they celebrated their record 308th game together. However, the match was not without its challenges, as defender Reef McInnes was substituted just ten minutes in due to a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee; Mason Cox also took a hit in the fourth quarter after being struck by Rory Lobb.
Jack Crisp's first-quarter tackle on Bulldog player Rhylee West may come under scrutiny from the match review officer, adding some tension to the game's overall atmosphere. Despite the physical contest, Collingwood's Nick Daicos had an outstanding night with 39 disposals, while Pendlebury contributed significantly with 26 touches and Josh Daicos added 25 to the tally.
From the Bulldogs' side, star player Sam Darcy made headlines, kicking a total of four goals, three of which came in the first half. Alongside him, Tom Liberatore delivered a solid performance, racking up 34 disposals and scoring a late goal that raised hopes for the Bulldogs. Ed Richards and Bailey Dale also impressed with 27 and 31 touches, respectively.
Despite trailing at different points in the match, Collingwood remained resilient, clawing their way back into contention after initially falling behind. They managed to reduce the Bulldogs' early 22-point lead down to six by the end of the first quarter. At half-time, the Bulldogs led by five, but Collingwood maintained their pace, entering the final change with an eight-point deficit.
Collingwood surged into a 14-point lead at the start of the final quarter, but missed chances to extend that margin saw the Bulldogs continue to fight back, challenging the Magpies until the final whistle.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge acknowledged the effort of his team by saying, "Give the boys credit, they hung in there. I think Collingwood would be sitting in there thinking that they probably deserved to win based on what the KPIs say. But ultimately, you feel like it’s still one that got away."
The loss left the Bulldogs with a record of 1-1, while Collingwood improved to 2-1 as they headed into their next contest. The Bulldogs will next face off against Carlton on the coming Friday.
As for the Magpies, the match brought to light the impact of their veteran players. Despite many fans focusing on the new recruits, it was the seasoned players that turned the tide. Among them, Jamie Elliott stood out with three marks inside 50, displaying the craft and timing that has long defined his contributions to the team.
Additionally, the contribution of Collingwood veteran Jeremy Howe, who expertly marshalled the defense throughout the match, exemplified the importance of experience in high-stakes contests. Similarly, Jack Crisp's work rate and versatility were invaluable, allowing him to transition seamlessly between defense and offense.
Notably, Mason Cox's role, despite an uncertain night, contributed to setting up key scoring opportunities. Critically, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom’s on-field leadership and experience played pivotal roles in sealing the win, defying narratives about the team’s age and perceived slowness.
Both players' performances revitalized discussions around their impact on the game, with Pendlebury achieving 21 handpasses and Sidebottom scoring the decisive goal that practically assured victory. For many supporters and analysts alike, their display was a clear message that age does not diminish effectiveness.
As the matches continue, one thing is clear: Collingwood has once again proven their mettle and resilience on the field, making them a team to watch as the 2025 season progresses.
