Collingwood hold off Bulldogs to claim AFL thriller

Collingwood has outlasted a gallant Footscray outfit in a Friday night AFL classic, clinching a six-point win in front of a record 78,027 fans at the MCG.

The 10.16 (76) to 10.10 (70) victory was sealed by veteran Steele Sidebottom, whose classy snap from congestion with just over three minutes to play proved the match-winner in his record 308th game alongside Scott Pendlebury — the most by any V/AFL teammates in history.

It came moments after Sidebottom’s dropped mark allowed Joel Freijah to level the scores, but the two-time Collingwood premiership responded in trademark fashion to break Bulldogs hearts.

The Western Bulldogs, playing under their traditional Footscray name to celebrate 100 years in the V/AFL, were inspired by a stunning performance from emerging star Sam Darcy.

The 21-year-old finished with four goals, eight marks and six contested grabs in a breakout display that kept his side in the contest.

Despite missing key players including Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Cody Weightman, the Dogs refused to go away.

After trailing by 15 points early in the final term, they kicked three straight goals to level the game with under four minutes left, before Sidebottom had the final say.

Nick Daicos was immense for the Magpies, finishing with 39 disposals and nine clearances, while Pendlebury was his usual composed self with 26 touches.

The win improves Collingwood’s remarkable close-game record under Craig McRae to 20 wins, 4 losses and 2 draws in games decided by six points or fewer.

The night wasn’t without its setbacks for the Pies, with young utility Reef McInnes subbed out early with a suspected ACL injury after his leg buckled in a marking contest.

While the Dogs fell short, their effort was fitting of the club’s centenary celebration. With a retro jumper, pre-game tribute hosted by Bob Murphy and a record home-and-away crowd behind them, Footscray came close to delivering a fairytale.

But Collingwood’s big-game experience, led by Sidebottom and Pendlebury, was ultimately the difference in another classic chapter between two proud clubs.

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