In a thrilling contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2025, Collingwood edged out the Western Bulldogs, 76 to 70, frustrating the home team as they celebrated their 100th anniversary in the VFL/AFL. With a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Steele Sidebottom emerged as the hero, snapping a goal with just over three minutes remaining to solidify the Magpies’ victory.
The match stood out not only for its fierce competitiveness but also for the historical milestone it represented. Sidebottom and teammate Scott Pendlebury became the most enduring pair in AFL history, having played together in 308 matches. It was a fitting backdrop for a contest packed with drama.
The Bulldogs jumped out of the gate strong, scoring the first 22 points of the match and forcing Collingwood to scramble for a response. It wasn't until nearly 20 minutes into the first quarter that the Magpies were able to register their first score—underscoring the tension that permeated the air as the crowd of 78,027 cheered on the Bulldogs.
Joel Freijah was a standout for the Bulldogs, kicking a sensational goal from beyond 50 yards to level the scores in the fourth quarter. The goal came after a series of missed opportunities for Collingwood, including a set shot fluff by Jordan De Goey that left fans shaking their heads. Despite being without star players Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar, the Bulldogs fought valiantly, with Sam Darcy showcasing his talent by kicking four goals.
The contest transformed into a classic arm-wrestle as both teams traded goals throughout the match. Sidebottom’s clutch performances also included another pivotal goal late in the third quarter, giving Collingwood an 8-point lead heading into the final term. His crucial contributions highlighted his experience and ability to perform under pressure.
Statistically, the match was evenly matched. Collingwood recorded 204 kicks and 77 marks compared to the Bulldogs' 185 kicks and 69 marks, reflecting the closely contested nature of the proceedings. However, it was Collingwood's tackle count, 64 to the Bulldogs’ 54, that may have made the difference, helping them pressure their opposition into errors.
The final moments of the game featured a tense atmosphere as the scores were tied. Sidebottom’s decisive goal pushed Collingwood ahead, and despite last-ditch efforts from the Bulldogs, including an overturned goal by Daniel McStay late in the fourth quarter, the Magpies held firm.
Adding to the week’s excitement, commentators noted how “you can’t tackle what you can’t catch,” as Bobby Hill broke away for two crucial goals, punctuating Collingwood's attacking efforts. With this victory, Collingwood is now sitting comfortably as they embark on the next chapter of the season.
The loss marks a bitter disappointment for the Bulldogs, who after such a promising start to their 100th year celebrations fall just short of what would have been a memorable victory. Nevertheless, with young talents like Sam Darcy stepping up, the future remains bright for the club. As the teams reflect on the match, both will look to build on individual performances and learn from the thrilling encounter.
This match served as a reminder of the fierce rivalry that exists within this league and added another chapter to the storied histories of both clubs. The sporting world will be eager to see how they both respond in their upcoming matches.
