The Western Bulldogs have kept their 2026 AFL finals campaign alive with a hard-fought victory over the Collingwood Magpies in the wildcard final. The Bulldogs won by a narrow margin, setting up a sudden-death clash against a higher-ranked side next week.
Match Summary
In a tense and physical contest, the Bulldogs led at every change but could not shake off a persistent Magpies outfit. The final margin was just four points, with the Bulldogs prevailing 12.10 (82) to 12.6 (78).
Key contributors for the Bulldogs included Marcus Bontempelli, who finished with 28 disposals and two goals, while Collingwood's Nick Daicos amassed 30 touches in a losing effort. The match was decided in the final minutes when a desperate Bulldogs defensive stand repelled a late Magpies surge.
Key Moments
The first quarter set the tone, with both sides trading goals in a high-pressure opening. The Bulldogs took a six-point lead into the first break and extended it to 12 points at halftime. Collingwood fought back in the third term, cutting the deficit to a single goal heading into the final quarter.
In the last quarter, the Magpies twice hit the front, but the Bulldogs responded each time. A late goal to Cody Weightman proved the difference, securing the win and a spot in the next round of the finals series.
What It Means
The Bulldogs now advance to face the Brisbane Lions in an elimination final next week, while the Magpies' season comes to an end. The win marks the Bulldogs' first finals victory since their 2021 premiership, and they will take confidence from the performance into the clash with the Lions.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae said his side had "given everything" but acknowledged the Bulldogs were "too good on the night". The Magpies now enter a critical off-season, with several veterans facing uncertain futures.
