Collingwood will be looking to continue its mid-season momentum when they host Geelong on Sunday afternoon in a crucial clash with finals ramifications.
The Pies jumped back into the top eight last week with a hard-fought win over Carlton to secure their third win in a row.
Now having put their ledger to four wins and three losses, they face the Cats who sit above them only on percentage in sixth place.
Geelong was too good for Fremantle last week in a four-goal win, however have lost three out of their past five.
The Round Eight clash will be reigning Club best and fairest Jordy Allen’s 50th game for the Pies after coming to the club as a highly touted junior.
The game will be broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports from 1.00pm AEDT, with the fist bounce at 1.05pm AEDT at Victoria Park.
Last time they met
Collingwood 15 d Geelong 11 (Round Three, Season Seven)
The milestone star Allen was the hero last time the Pies took on the Cats, kicking a fourth-quarter goal to put the Pies in front to seal victory. In a low-scoring affair down the highway at Kardinia Park, Alana Porter was the Magpies’ only other goal kicker, however it was enough to keep the Club’s perfect record in tact to start the season. The ever-reliable Mikala Cann was a standout for the Pies with 17 touches, while Lauren Butler and Aishling Sheridan were also strong in the win.
Players to watch
The big guns in Bri Davey and Brit Bonnici continue to perform week in week out and have led the Pies’ turnaround in 2023, however recruit Grace Campbell is also showing exactly why she was brought into the Club. Campbell recorded a season-high 17 disposals and 12 tackles last Sunday against the Blues, having found a role in the Pies’ side as a contested midfielder. Sabrina Frederick continues to be strong in the ruck and had 37 hit outs last week, supplying her midfielders with exquisite tap work. For Geelong, Georgie Prespakis is having a standout season consistently racking up possessions, while Chloe Scheer has kicked 14 goals in 2023 as one of the best players in the competition in front of the big sticks.
Indigenous Round activities
Indigenous Round will continue in Round Eight with Victoria Park getting its chance to host on Sunday. Captain Bri Davey will exchange ‘message sticks’ designed by Leon Davis at the coin toss. The artefacts are made from Blackwood which is found on Gunditjamara Country in southwest Victoria and tell the story of many people travelling and then coming together for one cause. A Welcome to Country will be performed pre-match, while there will also be a smoking ceremony, Indigenous food truck, artwork on the ground throughout the entrance and a three quarter time performance.
Team news
Vice-Captain Ruby Schleicher will play her first game for the 2023 season on Sunday after recovering from a lingering foot injury. Fellow defender Stacey Livingstone also returns after serving her one-match ban, while young-gun Imogen Evans will play her first game in 2023.
The three who make way are Ash Brazill (Injured), Alanna Porter (Injured), and Joanna Lin (Omitted).
Tickets for Sunday afternoon’s clash between Collingwood and Geelong are on sale now.
NAB AFLW Round Eight
Collingwood v Geelong
Sunday 22 October, 1.05pm
Victoria Park, Wurundjeri
