In a thrilling encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2025, Collingwood secured a narrow victory over Footscray, defeating them 10.16 (76) to 10.10 (70). The match was marked by key moments, dramatic plays, and record-setting performances but ultimately came down to a game-winning goal by Steele Sidebottom with just over three minutes left on the clock.
As the tension mounted in the final minutes, Sidebottom’s decisive snap goal showcased his knack for stepping up during critical moments, another highlight in a storied career. This victory not only underscored the team's resilience but also represented a significant milestone for Sidebottom and teammate Scott Pendlebury, who played their 308th game together, setting a new AFL record for the most matches as teammates. "We went deep celebrating these lads and incredible what they’ve been able to do for our football club and maybe broader to that," said Collingwood coach Craig McRae, reflecting on their remarkable achievement.
Footscray, seeking to celebrate its 100-year anniversary in V/AFL competition, had its moments, primarily driven by a standout performance from Sam Darcy. The 21-year-old tall forward, towering at 208cm, kicked four goals from six contested marks, continuously challenging Collingwood's defense and earning admiration across the league. "What a weapon this guy looms as," remarked commentator Garry Lyon. Darcy's dominance in the air and skill in front of goal made him a focal point for Footscray, even as they suffered a heartbreaking loss.
The first term saw Collingwood struggle to find their rhythm, allowing Footscray to carve out an early lead of 22 points. During the initial twenty minutes, Collingwood didn’t score, but the side gradually regained composure and closed the gap, eventually tying the match at the start of the second quarter. The game escalated from there, with Darcy marking his presence early with three contested grabs, bolstering the Bulldogs' confidence as he netted multiple goals.
Footscray had its chances but faced frustrating moments, such as when Dan McStay misfired a straightforward pass that should have led to another score. Conversely, Collingwood put continuous pressure on Footscray's defense, highlighted by Bobby Hill's sprint that appeared to break the game open shortly before the final quarter. However, Footscray fought back, including a spectacular effort from Joel Freijah that brought them level.
The nail-biting conclusion drew gasps as both teams exchanged quality scoring opportunities, but it was Sidebottom's late goal that proved decisive. Despite being on the back foot for stretches, Collingwood demonstrated tenacity, maintaining a slight edge that carried them home. McRae praised his players' depth, noting the importance of veteran contributions from Sidebottom and Pendlebury.
In the backdrop of the victory, a dark cloud loomed over Collingwood with reports of injuries. Reef McInnes, a promising young player expected to have a vital role this season, suffered a suspected ACL injury early in the match. "Unfortunately it looks like Reef might have done an ACL," McRae disclosed, with many fearing it could sideline McInnes for a significant period. Mason Cox also faced injury concerns after sustaining a cut to his cheekbone following a late hit by Rory Lobb. Thankfully, with a scheduled bye approaching, it is anticipated that Cox will be fit to return for their next match against Carlton on April 3, 2025.
Despite the loss, there was an unmistakable celebration for Footscray as they recognized their storied past. The club held a pre-match ceremony honoring its three premiership teams, drawing an impressive crowd of 78,027. It was a fitting backdrop for a club deeply rooted in history as they looked to the future with excitement, particularly with the emergence of Sam Darcy as a potential star.
Looking ahead, both teams have pressing questions to address. For Collingwood, the focus will shift towards managing their injured players while preserving their competitive edge. For Footscray, the challenge will be to integrate a plethora of their key players back into the fold, including the likes of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who remains sidelined due to off-field issues.
The captivating drama of Friday night’s clash not only entertained fans but also set the stage for an exhilarating AFL season ahead. As Collingwood celebrates its win and Footscray reflects on its promise, both clubs look poised for a challenging but thrilling journey ahead.
