Collingwood Magpies secured a thrilling victory over the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a highly anticipated Round 2 clash of the 2025 AFL season. The match carried extra significance as the Bulldogs celebrated their 100th anniversary by temporarily reverting to their historic name, Footscray, for the occasion. Despite their valiant efforts, Footscray fell short as Collingwood emerged victorious with a final score of 10.16 (76) to 10.10 (70).
Footscray’s Emotional Tribute to Their History
For one night only, the Bulldogs honored their roots by officially playing under their original name, Footscray, which they used before rebranding as the Western Bulldogs in 1997. The club’s centenary celebrations brought nostalgia and pride among fans, many of whom still associate with the Footscray identity. The decision to revive the name was meant to recognize the club’s working-class origins and strong community ties in Melbourne’s west.
The build-up to the match was electric, with past club legends in attendance and players wearing heritage guernseys that resembled Footscray’s traditional colors. The Bulldogs also unveiled a banner commemorating 100 years of resilience and passion, reinforcing their status as one of the most beloved clubs in Australian rules football.
Match Summary: A Close Contest
The game was a fiercely contested battle from start to finish.
First Quarter: The Bulldogs came out firing, feeding off the energy of the historic occasion. Young forward Sam Darcy made an immediate impact, taking strong contested marks and kicking the opening goal. However, Collingwood’s experience and midfield dominance allowed them to respond quickly. Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury controlled possession, helping the Magpies close out the quarter with a narrow lead.
Second Quarter: Footscray continued to fight hard, with captain Marcus Bontempelli leading by example. His clearance work and tackling pressure kept the Bulldogs in the contest, while Rory Lobb and Aaron Naughton provided targets inside 50. Collingwood, however, showcased their defensive strength, with Darcy Moore and Isaac Quaynor making crucial intercept marks to repel Footscray’s attacks.
Third Quarter: The game took an intense turn as both teams increased their physicality. A notable moment occurred when Rory Lobb attempted a spoil but inadvertently struck Collingwood’s Mason Cox in the face, leaving him with noticeable swelling and cuts under his left eye. Despite the blow, Cox continued playing, showing resilience. Meanwhile, Footscray’s Sam Darcy continued his dominance, finishing the game with four goals and six contested marks, proving to be one of the standout performers.
Fourth Quarter: The final term saw Footscray surge ahead momentarily, raising hopes of a fairytale win on their anniversary night. However, Collingwood’s composure in the dying minutes proved decisive. A crucial goal by Steele Sidebottom late in the match sealed the victory for the Magpies, breaking Footscray hearts and silencing the MCG crowd.
Key Performances Collingwood:
Steele Sidebottom: Kicked the match-winning goal, showcasing his experience under pressure.
Jordan De Goey: Made a strong impact in his return from injury, adding much-needed strength to Collingwood’s midfield.
Darcy Moore: Led the defensive unit superbly, cutting off several Footscray attacks.
Footscray (Western Bulldogs):
Sam Darcy: Starred with four goals and a dominant aerial display.
Marcus Bontempelli: Led from the front with his usual elite midfield performance.
Rory Lobb: Played a key role in the forward line despite an unfortunate collision with Mason Cox.
Post-Match Reactions
After the game, Collingwood coach Craig McRae praised his team’s ability to stay composed under pressure.
“It was a tough battle, but the boys showed real character in the final moments. We respect what Footscray did tonight – celebrating their past in such a meaningful way. It was an honor to be part of this historic occasion.”
On the other hand, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the narrow loss.
“We would’ve loved to give our fans the perfect anniversary gift with a win, but I couldn’t be prouder of the fight we showed. The Footscray name still means so much, and seeing the passion in the stands tonight was special.”
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore also paid tribute to Footscray’s legacy, acknowledging the importance of honoring club traditions.
“This was more than just a game of footy; it was about history. The Bulldogs have such a rich past, and they reminded everyone of that tonight.”
Fan Reactions and the Footscray Legacy
The MCG was packed with 78,027 fans, marking a record home-and-away attendance for a Bulldogs game. Social media was flooded with reactions from Bulldogs fans, many of whom called for the club to permanently bring back the Footscray name. Others appreciated the one-time tribute while embracing the Western Bulldogs’ modern identity.
Former Bulldogs great Doug Hawkins, who played over 300 games for Footscray, was emotional about seeing the name return for a night.
“This was incredible. I grew up as a Footscray boy, and to see them run out onto the G with that name again… I had tears in my eyes.”
However, some modern supporters emphasized the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on nostalgia.
“It was great to celebrate history, but Western Bulldogs is who we are now. That’s the name we won a flag under in 2016, and that’s the future,” one fan commented online.
Looking Ahead
Despite the defeat, Footscray’s anniversary match served as a reminder of the club’s deep connection to its roots. The Bulldogs will aim to bounce back in their next fixture, focusing on securing a strong start to the 2025 season.
Collingwood, meanwhile, remains a dominant force in the AFL, proving once again why they are a serious contender for this year’s premiership. With key players like Jordan De Goey returning to full fitness, the Magpies will be looking to build on this hard-fought victory.
Conclusion
Collingwood’s win over Footscray was not just a game; it was a clash of history and modern football excellence. While the Magpies took the four points, the night belonged to the Bulldogs in spirit, as they honored 100 years of resilience, struggle, and triumph. Whether the club will consider more Footscray-themed matches in the future remains to be seen, but for one night, history came alive at the MCG.
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