The Western Bulldogs have kicked off their 2021 AFL campaign in style, recording a 16-point win against Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.

A fast start set the tone – and the Bulldogs carried on from there to claim the Robert Rose Cup, running out 10.9 (69) to 7.11 (53) victors.

The external build-up centered around Adam Treloar facing his former side for the first time, but it was the Bulldogs’ midfield group who got the job done.

Rising star Bailey Smith (36 disposals, two goals) was best afield, and a unanimous selection for the Bob Rose-Charlie Sutton Medal.

01:42

Game Breaker | Bailey Smith

Check out the best highlights from Bailey Smith following the Round 1 win over Collingwood at the MCG on Friday.

Remarkably, the Bulldogs had the game’s nine leading ball-winners.

Jack Macrae (35 disposals), Lachie Hunter (31 disposals), Josh Dunkley (30 disposals) all had more than 30 disposals, with skipper Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Pat Lipinski not far behind.

Influential defenders Caleb Daniel and Bailey Williams had 28 and 27 disposals respectively.

Off-season addition Stef Martin also had a significant impact – alongside Tim English – in restricting Collingwood star Brodie Grundy’s impact on the game.

06:47

Match Highlights | Magpies v Bulldogs

Check out all the highlights from the Round 1 win over Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

Despite the Bulldogs’ ascendancy around the ball, the match was an arm wrestle.

The Bulldogs controlled large parts of the play in the first half, but led by less than two kicks at half time as the hosts made the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

It was a three-goal-to-one third term which opened up a buffer the Bulldogs were good enough to maintain in the final quarter.

01:45

Team Song with Josh Dunkley

Josh Dunkley takes the GoPro for the first Team Song following the Round 1 win over Collingwood at the MCG on Friday

Aaron Naughton and Laitham Vandermeer joined Smith with two goals each to their name, while debutants Anthony Scott (15 disposals) and Lachie McNeil (nine disposals, one goal) both had an impact.

The Bulldogs will face the West Coast Eagles in round two, next Sunday at Marvel Stadium.

COLLINGWOOD                      1.2       4.6       5.7       7.11 (53)
WESTERN BULLDOGS             3.2       6.5       9.7       10.9 (69)

GOALS
Collingwood: Mihocek 2, Elliott 2, Cox 2, Crisp
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer 2, Naughton 2, Smith 2, Bruce, McNeil, English, Martin

BEST
Collingwood: Pendlebury, Moore, Maynard, Crisp, Mihocek
Western Bulldogs: Smith, Bontempelli, Macrae, Daniel, Hunter, Martin 

INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil 
Western Bulldogs: Nil