AFL 2025 round two LIVE: Bulldogs take on Collingwood in milestone game for the red, white and blue

March 21, 2025 journo

Key posts

Darcy kicks his third

Sam Darcy has curled in another set shot to boot his third goal, as the young forward overpowers Collingwood captain Darcy Moore early in the game.

He’s looked unstoppable in marking contests so far and the Dogs are back on the offensive.

Bulldogs 5.5 (35) Magpies 4.4 (28) with 14 minutes remaining in Q2.

Sam Darcy is dominating up forward. Credit: Getty Images

‘What a weapon’: Darcy gets another

Star young Bulldog Sam Darcy has snagged his second goal of the game.

The son of a former gun (Luke) has looked dominant early in the game as he ties the scores.

On Darcy, Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy: “What a weapon. He took three huge contested marks in the first quarter.”

Ed Richards kicked a behind to put the Dogs up one.

Bulldogs 4.5 (29) Collingwood 4.4 (28) with 15 minutes remaining in Q2.

Pendlebury seems OK from a head knock

To start the second quarter, Scott Pendlebury headed to the rooms after a knock to the head from Rory Lobb earlier in the contest. He’s since returned to the bench.

Collingwood are already down one player after Reef McInnes injured his knee, so it is encouraging to see Pendlebury return to the bench.

We’ll keep you updated on this one.

Pies take the lead

Jamie Elliott drew first blood of the second quarter with an immediate goal to level the scores.

Soon after, Bobby Hill converted on a set shot to push the Pies ahead for the first time this game.

Bulldogs 3.4 (22) Collingwood 4.4 (28) with 18 minutes remaining in the second.

The tale of the first term

By Marc McGowan

Nick Daicos was prominent early for Collingwood.Credit: Getty Images

The opening quarter was a tale of two halves.

The Bulldogs – back as Footscray for one night only – stormed out of the gates after a stirring pre-match celebration for their 100-year anniversary, but managed only three goals from seven scoring shots to leave the door ajar for Collingwood.

The Magpies’ turn came, inspired by usual suspect Nick Daicos (11 disposals), and they, too, frittered away their chances, but will be pleased to be only a goal down at the first break.

Craig McRae’s men finished the term well on top – and with 16 inside-50s to the Dogs’ nine, and having also drawn level in contested possessions after an early deficit.

Rory Lobb and Sam Darcy stood out aerially for the Bulldogs, while Ed Richards and Bailey Dale continued their strong start to the season. As for the Pies, veteran Scott Pendlebury was prominent and Jordan De Goey – in his return game – drove the Sherrin inside 50 three times with his six touches, including a checkside miss from the pocket.

The key statistics up to quarter-time

Q1: Bulldogs 3.4 (22) Magpies 2.4 (16)

Collingwood ate into an early Bulldogs lead, kicking the final two goals of the quarter after the Dogs unleashed a three-goal barrage to open the game.

The Bulldogs’ accurate kicking and ability to rebound from their backline led to the brief lead, before the Pies gained their composure.

One to watch: The battle between Sam Darcy and Darcy Moore looks to be a treat.

Sam Darcy has impressed early in this game, kicking the opening goal. Credit: Getty Images

Goal: Pies fighting back

Lachie Schultz has kicked the Pies’ second goal of the game – after some strong forward pressure forced a turnover from the Bulldogs.

A mis-kick from Beau McCreery luckily found Schultz who converted from 25 meters out.

Bulldogs 3.4 (22) Magpies 2.4 (16) with one minute remaining in the first quarter.

Goal: Pies finally get their first

Dan McStay has booted the Pies’ first goal of the game, after several ineffective forward entries. He marked a well-placed kick from Jordan De Goey (who’s also kicked a behind in his first game of the season).

The boisterous Collingwood fans will want to see more of that.

Bulldogs 3.4 (22) Collingwood 1.1 (7) with five minutes remaining in the first quarter.