Collingwood have stunned arch-rivals and premiership fancies Carlton by six points in a physical opening match of the AFLW season.
The Magpies held off the Blues at Ikon Park for the second year in a row, producing a scintillating four-goal run in the second quarter to set up the 5.3 (33) to 4.3 (27) victory.
A shell-shocked Carlton fought back from a scoreless opening half with three quickfire third-quarter goals.
But the damage had already been done and the comeback ultimately proved in vain as a capacity crowd of 6712 watched on in the first ticketed match in the competition’s history.
Blues captain Kerryn Harrington kicked a goal after the fulltime siren to sum up their second-half dominance.
Led by the electric Chloe Molloy, Collingwood were all over the Blues – who failed to score until seven minutes into the third quarter.
The Magpies dominated general play in the first quarter, with Brittany Bonnici starring in the middle, but only had one behind to show for it.
But once Irish speedster Aishling Sheridan kicked the first goal, the floodgates opened.
Star Molloy slotted two majors in as many minutes, with the first being booted out of the stadium and onto the Princes Park walking track.
But the real dagger came just before halftime when former Blues captain Brianna Davey kicked an exciting running goal in her first game as Magpies co-captain.
Collingwood defender Stacey Livingstone again had the better of her duel with All-Australian forward Tayla Harris.
Their match-up was eagerly anticipated after Livingstone last year labelled the Blues spearhead “useless” in an explosive post-game interview.
League best-and-fairest Madison Prespakis performed strongly while Darcy Vescio, Jess Hosking and Nicola Stevens kicked a goal each for the Blues.
The Magpies’ performance will give them confidence of backing up a promising 2020 season, in which they just missed out on finals for the first time.
“We certainly want to be an attacking style team. I know the last quarter we defended a lot but that’s certainly not the brand we want,” Collingwood coach said Steve Symonds.
“Carlton are a great side and we’ve got great respect for them so we’re very happy.”
The Blues have plenty of soul searching to do after being anointed as equal premiership favourites with Fremantle this week.
“When you have four goals kicked against you in eight minutes it’s pretty hard to come back from,” Carlton coach Daniel Harford said.
Ian_
Roar Rookie
I'd agree on Prespakis. I thought she was relatively invisible, by her own standards anyway.
Lukey Miller
Guest
Why not try out anti-congestion strategies in the AFLW? The AFL could get on the front foot with rule changes, like the 6x6x6 rule for every stoppage for the women's games. It should benefit the games by reducing congestion and enhancing game-flow. This should also be applied in junior leagues, as overcrowding in under-age footy is sometimes disturbing and dangerous. If rule changes like this work at the lower level then they may be able to be adapted to the AFL - without the need for blind testing at that level. The AFL needs to urgently address the chronic congestion in the game or the sport itself might not survive for very long.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Wasn't too bad. Some good passages of play. However, Collies going backwards for the last 4 or 5 mins of the second quarter was awful, boring and unnecessary. Pity they didn't gift Carlton a goal or 2.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
In fairness to Taylahh, she gave away a free kick for competing for the footy...
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Spot on Pedro. They are being overcoached; they're trying to play a gamestyle they're not ready for. Far too much play on at all costs. The coaches should be telling them to get back off the mark and find a target; when they did that they moved the ball a lot better, because their kicks weren't rushed and they weren't kicking to packs.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I think the over handballing is about poor choices stemming from the way that they are currently being trained (moving the ball forward through a heavy emphasis on sharing possession). I guess it is OK as the game develops and skills improve but it is being overdone at the moment (IMHO). The more you handle it the more likely you are to make a mistake. In particular I thought that Collingwood were overdoing the handball way too much and probably would/should have won by quite a bit more. I am not convinced that either of these 2 sides will prove a genuine threat to sides like Adelaide, Freo or North Melbourne (ceterus parebus).
Parkside Darren
Guest
Agree it was over-umpired. One free against Tayla Harris in the 2nd quarter when she crashed the pack and spilt a chest mark and then connected the Collingwood defender coming towards her, seemed like a free based on potential injury rather than any rule. I thought Maddi was down but worked herself into the game. She was sat on the whole game so others have to step up. I also loved how she took a stand just before half time with Davey. Blues were tentative up to them and it seemed to die them up. I think both teams will perform well this year. Few cobwebs and nervous energy blown out last night after almost a year break. Also I wouldn’t say less handball just timing needs to improve. It will come with more games. Lastly have to say Chloe Molloy is a very good footballer.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Gee Whiz. I know its early in the season but wasn't the umpiring atrocious last night. At least they prevented a blow out from occurring! I am also not sure how Madi Prespakis even got a mention in the article. She was smashed around the ball, especially in the first half, and like Taylor Harris, gave away several unnecessary free kicks. Beaten easily in their positions. Less handball, more kicking is required, especially for Collingwood but also in women's footy in general. The game was very congested (and I think that is a bit about the game being too "short" in style at the moment). The better sides will play over the coming days I suppose.