Collingwood’s AFLW side will be out to start AFL Grand Final Day with a bang when they take on the Bombers on Saturday morning.
The game has been moved to Punt Road Oval to be even closer to the MCG precinct as Melbourne goes into overdrive for the AFL decider.
The Pies will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak when they take on Essendon and new star Tarni White said the significance of both the day and the opponent would make it a special opportunity.
“I’ve never even played on a Grand Final Day coming from Queensland, it’s pretty exciting,” she said.
“The more I eyes that are walking past and watching AFLW, the bigger our game gets so I think it’s a really positive sign.
“I think it’s a really exciting opportunity as AFLW and not just the men playing each other now and we can create our own little rivalry going forward.”
White only arrived at the Club at the end of last season and has made an immediate impact.
The young forward kicked two brilliant goals against her old side St Kilda last week and said she couldn’t be happier to be playing for the Magpies.
“It’s so good, I’m loving it. I know losing to the old side on the weekend kind of stings a little bit but upon reflection I wouldn’t change my move for anything,” she said.
“I am so happy as an individual here and what I can bring to the team has made me feel really valued and I’m getting my belief back as well.
“I can’t thank the Club enough for bringing me in.”
White said the Pies would be focussing on themselves and their opponents as they look to get back on the winners’ list.
With the halfway point of the season already upon them, the Pies will be determined to notch their second win of the season.
“What we’re going to focus on this week is Essendon, they’re really good at their kicking disposals, they’re really efficient,” she said.
“I think just going back to what we know, we kind of went into our shells a little bit in the second half and really let the Saints play their game.
“We need to focus on us and just be aware of their players. Bonnie Toogood, I think she’s in AA form and Maddy Prespakis as well, so we have great respect for their team and the players within the team.”
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