In a game between two well-drilled defensive teams, scores were hard to come by as the Magpies ultimately prevailed 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11) at GMHBA Stadium.
Early in the game Geelong was under the pump as Collingwood controlled territory, but it weathered the storm, conceding just three behinds to half-time. However, the Pies eventually broke through for the first goal of the game midway through the third quarter as Alana Porter streamed forward to drill her first-ever AFLW goal.
Collingwood's desperate last line of defence, while impressive, did become a little overzealous as a Sarah Rowe tackle on Georgia Clarke without the ball saw the Cats slot their first and once again narrow the margin.
As we have come to expect, Lauren Butler and Jordy Allen intercepted the ball at will down back, really controlling the game from the back half, with Allen also pushing forward to kick a crucial goal midway through the final quarter to put her side in front.
Star Magpie Jaimee Lambert, who came into the game managing a left ankle concern, copped a knock to her right thigh during the first quarter and was moved to the forward line. The Cats, however, got right on top at the contest throughout the third thanks to the work of Nina Morrison, Becky Webster, and Amy McDonald, which saw Lambert injected back into the midfield.
For the Cats, Webster's willingness to take the game on and gain ground with her touches was a highlight, delivering the ball forward seven times from her 19 disposals.
Missed opportunities
In her 50th AFLW game Sabrina Frederick came out of the blocks and presented strongly in attack. Her hard work saw her take two set shots in the first half that fell agonisingly short, she then injected herself into the ruck near goal to try a trademark snap out of the stoppage, but unfortunately it was a half of almosts for Frederick.
Porter the drought breaker
Midway through the third quarter neither team had been able to find a goal, but it was the run of Alana Porter out of defence that ultimately broke the drought. Using her speed and expertly linking up with teammates, Porter burst inside 50 and expertly slotted a goal on the run, her first in AFLW.
What's next?
Geelong will head to Tasmania to face a smarting North Melbourne, meanwhile Collingwood will return home to host reigning premiers Adelaide at Victoria Park.
GEELONG 0.1 0.1 1.3 1.5 (11)
COLLINGWOOD 0.1 0.3 1.3 2.3 (15)
GOALS
Geelong: Clarke
Collingwood: Porter, Allen
BEST
Geelong: Webster, Prespakis, Emonson, Johnson
Collingwood: Allen, Schleicher, Butler, Cann
INJURIES
Geelong: Amy McDonald (left cheekbone)
Collingwood: Jaimee Lambert (right thigh)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 1,957 at the GMHBA Stadium
