The VFLW Magpies have been crowned back-to-back minor premiers, defeating Hawthorn by 15-points at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.

Both sides overcame the tough windy conditions to deliver an even contest throughout the four quarters.

The Hawks put up a brave fight, bringing solid physicality and strong hands around the ball. But the Pies were more consistent with a first to the ball approach and strong attacking style that helped them convert on the scoreboard.

The home side made the most of its time kicking with the wind in the first term with Sarah Perkins claiming the first major of the day.

Magpie, Maddie Shevlin finally managed to put her team on the board, booting a goal from 40-metres out on the siren to conclude the opener.

As the Pies’ defenders held tight on the Hawks’ limiting them to a goalless second term, the Pies capitalised adding three goals to their score that would see them take a 17-point lead at the major break.

The visitors carried their momentum into the third with Mikala Cann standing up to her former side, picking up the ball in the goal square and easing her way in to kick a goal. Katie Lee soon followed, sneaking the ball through for another.

In the final quarter, the ball constantly moved back and fourth between the two sides intensifying the already strong contest.

Perkins was simply outstanding having claimed her third for the day early in the last. But Rebecca Grant was quick to react, claiming one last major for the Pies that would see them leave Box Hill victorious, 7.4 (46) to 4.7 (31).

Saturday’s loss will most likely conclude the Hawks’ season, while the win cements the Pies’ in top position on the ladder ahead of the finals series.

Magpie forward, Gemma Lagioia continues to prove herself as a dangerous asset in the Pies’ midfield with great speed and agility which was showcased against the Hawks.

“We knew it would be a tough game as it was Hawthorn’s make or break so they came out hard but I feel like we matched the pressure really well,” Lagioia told collingwoodfc.com.au.

The 18-year-old Vic Metro and Oakleigh Chargers representative has had a stellar performance in her debut VFLW season with the Pies and she says she’s enjoyed every minute of it.

“It’s been really good. Everyone’s been so lovely and I’ve learnt so much already over the last couple of weeks.”

It was a fabulous outing for Maddie Shevlin and Katie Lee who both held themselves well up forward, each managing to put two majors on the scoreboard.

Magpie co-captain, Grace Buchan was a workhorse through the midfield and half-back alongside youngster, Nicola Xenos whose defensive efforts saw her named as one of the Pies’ best for the second consecutive week.

Jaimee Lambert was inspiring as always, taking a solid mark to follow through with the goal late in the second.

Sharni Layton and Britt Bonnici both impressed in their return, presenting themselves as great options to the ball particularly through the midfield.

The Pies will now prepare for a home qualifying final against the Southern Saints next weekend.

Lagioia says her team is pleased to have finished the season on a high note and is confident the Pies' are ready for the next challenge being finals.

“Everyone’s really excited having finished in the top position so we’re just looking forward to getting out there and we’ll see how we go,” Lagioia said.

The VFLW Magpies finals agenda and match information will be confirmed in the next coming days.

 

Collingwood                1.0     4.2     6.2   7.4  (46)
Hawthorn                    1.2     1.3     3.6   4.7  (31)

Goals – Collingwood: Shevlin 2, Lee 2, Lambert, Cann, Grant
Hawthorn: Perkins 3, Hutchins

Best – Collingwood: S. Livingstone, N. Xenos, G. Buchan, M. Shevlin, B. Bonnici, S. Layton
Hawthorn: S. Perkins, L. McClelland, R. Beeson, E. Nixon, O. Flanagan, R. Dillon