On March 21, 2025, Footscray Football Club, affectionately known as the Bulldogs, celebrated a monumental milestone—100 years in the VFL/AFL—by taking on Collingwood at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This celebration was more than just a match; it was a reflection of a storied history, marked by triumphs and challenges along the way.
With a crowd expected to top 80,000, excitement buzzed in the air as fans flocked to the ground, many displaying banners that acknowledged the club's heritage as Footscray, the name it bore when it joined the VFL back in 1925. The anticipation mounted, particularly for players steeling themselves for a contest that carried not only the weight of pride but also the desire to thwart Collingwood's ambitions. The Magpies, wishing to spoil the celebratory atmosphere, came off a strong win the previous week against Port Adelaide, boasting confidence alongside their seasoned players like Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.
The match kicked off with Footscray quickly asserting themselves. The Bulldogs stormed the field, showcasing their intent with an opening burst that left Collingwood scrambling. This strong start set the tone for a contest that promised edge-of-your-seat entertainment as the two teams battled fiercely for every ball. Despite pressing opportunities, Collingwood struggled to capitalize on their chances, leaving the score equalized for much of the first half.
At halftime, Footscray led by a narrow margin of 6.7 (43) to Collingwood's 5.8 (38). Sam Darcy was a highlight for the Bulldogs, already netting three goals, displaying outstanding prowess with four contested marks and consistently outmaneuvering his opponents, including star defender Darcy Moore. Commentary noted, "Sam Darcy has three goals during the first half of the game," affirming his considerable contribution in the forward line.
The second quarter saw both sides weary from the physicality, as players like Tom Liberatore from the Bulldogs delivered stellar performances with 30 disposals, his grit proving crucial in the midfield. However, Collingwood slowly began to find its rhythm, clawing back into the contest with some well-placed goals that increased the pressure. By the third quarter, the teams were locked in a fierce battle, although Collingwood had begun to assert control. Steele Sidebottom snapped a critical goal that pushed Collingwood back in front, his experience shining when it mattered most. As reported, "Pies by six points" at one point, reflecting the tension hanging over the Bulldog’s hopes.
Unfortunately for Collingwood, the match introduced a sobering moment when young star Reef McInnes sustained a potential ACL injury early on, impacting the team's dynamics greatly. As news broke that there were fears of a torn ACL, the focus shifted to how Collingwood would adapt to the sudden absence of McInnes, alongside their tactical reshuffles including the introduction of Mason Cox.
The nail-biting contest didn’t diminish as it trudged into the final quarter. Each side had witnessed moments where the game could have tipped either way. Darcy’s frustrations multiplied as he hit the goal posts on crucial attempts to extend the Bulldogs’ advantage, further demonstrating the stark reality that every missed opportunity could haunt the players.
Rhylee West, amid the pressure, executed a beautiful goal from a rather tight angle to bring Footscray within two points of Collingwood, fortifying the belief across the Bulldog’s supporters. In stark contrast, the Magpies were left regretting a ghastly miss in their attacking 50, leaving many to wonder how costly the blunder would prove.
With the clock winding down and tensions rising, both teams showcased resilience, embodying the spirit of the historic clash. Exactly how the final moments would arrive became an electric affair as both teams eyed the win while glory and the remembrance of a century loomed large over the MCG.
Ultimately, while the historical importance of the night could stand on its own, the footy was what mattered most. As the siren blared, Footscray emerged with a well-deserved victory against Collingwood in a game that encapsulated the fierce beauty of AFL football. What a way to mark a century!
Reflecting on the night, club CEO Ameet Bains noted that despite the changes and evolutions over time, the essence of the club remained rooted in its grassroots. The 100-year celebration was not just a retrospective; it looked forward to continuing that spirit. Could this victory pave the way for a renewed chapter in Footscray’s illustrious journey? Only time will tell, but the passionate display at the MCG exemplified a club that is far from done writing its story, much like its loyal fanbase, who celebrated the evening with undying fervor.
