Heartbreak for Magpies as late miss sees Bulldogs steal wildcard win
The Western Bulldogs defeated Collingwood by three points in the AFL's first-ever wildcard final after a missed kick by Tim Membrey following the siren. The victory secures the Bulldogs a spot in the upcoming elimination finals.
Why it matters
This match marks a historic moment in the AFL as the inaugural wildcard final, significantly impacting the league's postseason structure.
The Western Bulldogs have defeated Collingwood by three points in an epic wildcard final
--> Cody Weightman celebrates a goal during round 28, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos IT STARTED right. And it stayed right.
A contest as classic as this came down to that one kick from Tim Membrey. After a series of would-be knockout blows, this kick – one that fell on the wrong side of the right post – would be the one that took the Western Bulldogs through to September and Collingwood to a night of misery.
BULLDOGS v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats
In the AFL's first ever wildcard final, Membrey's wayward shot after the siren proved all that could separate eighth from ninth. In a barnstorming affair, a brave Dogs team battled to put themselves in the position to eventually grind out a remarkable 14.12 (96) to 14.9 (93) victory.
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