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Bulldogs survive wildcard epic after the siren
Matthew Kennedy failed a head injury assessment and will miss at least 12 days after a collision in the Bulldogs' three-point finals win.
- On Friday, the Western Bulldogs advanced to the elimination finals, defeating Collingwood 96-93 in the AFL's inaugural wildcard final at the MCG when Magpies forward Tim Membrey missed a set shot after the siren.
- More than 81,000 fans witnessed the inaugural wildcard final at a packed MCG, with the contest defined by four lead changes in the final 10 minutes as both teams fought for a spot in the elimination finals.
- Bulldogs midfielder Matthew Kennedy suffered a concussion during the final quarter after clashing with Harvey Harrison and will enter mandatory AFL protocols, sidelining him for at least 12 days.
- Retiring champion Steele Sidebottom played his final game for Collingwood in defeat, while Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said the win was "really encouraging" but cautioned against complacency.
- The Bulldogs will face the Adelaide Crows in an elimination final next Saturday, requiring midfield adjustments to compensate for Kennedy's absence from their core ball-winning group.
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Sydney Morning Herald+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Bulldogs v Magpies player ratings: The crucial moments and costly errors that decided the first wildcard final
This article offers player ratings for every player in the Collingwood and Western Bulldogs AFL wildcard game at the MCG on August 28 2026. Scott Spits and Steve Barrett rate the players from the first wildcard game in AFL/VFL history.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
13%
R 37%
Factuality
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