Collingwood’s VFLW side has claimed the biggest defeat in its history, thrashing the Darebin Falcons by an impressive 78-points at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
The Magpies dominated from the very beginning, with exceptional power up forward alongside strong defensive pressure down back.
Jaimee Lambert and Chloe Molloy together put on a clinic and were simply unstoppable in the forward line, booting nine out of the Pies’ total 11 goals between them.
The Pies’ all-round defensive pressure created a high amount of turnovers, which was ultimately rewarded on the scoreboard.
Wet conditions underfoot did however challenge both teams with the basics, generating poor skill execution at times.
A positive improvement was the Pies’ ability to play in front and be first to the ball, this being a key focus of theirs from previous weeks.
The Magpies went on to emerge victorious, 11.13 (79) to 0.1 (1), taking their winning streak to five in a row.
A key target through the midfield, Georgia Gourlay credited the win to her team’s ability to play the game on their terms.
“I thought we played the way we wanted to really well especially through the first, second and fourth quarters,” Gourlay told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“In the third we lapsed a bit, which was annoying, but it was a great opportunity for the girls to look at what we didn’t do so well and it forced us to move the ball laterally.”
She also praised the extraordinary performances of Molloy and Lambert, which were essential to the team’s success.
“It’s great just to have those two in the team plus having Chloe back and she’s playing at her best its fabulous,” Gourlay said.
“To have those guys in coming through the midfield and then in the forward line its pretty unreal.”
In her VFLW debut, Sharni Layton had immediate impact from the very first minute she ran onto the field.
Facing a tough opponent in Lauren Pearce, Layton dominated in the ruck, providing numerous hit-outs and great assistance around the ball.
Stacey Livingstone stood tall in her move forward, using her defensive experience to hold her ground and block the Falcons’ defenders.
Brianna Davey again played a vital role driving the ball out of the pack before charging forward for a goal early in the fourth term.
Soon followed was Katie Lynch who snapped a goal 30 metres out from a set shot.
The Falcons failed to stand up to the Pies' solid pressure around the contest and often struggled to move the ball pass their forward 50.
It took the Falcons until the third quarter to gather themselves together, combining speed and a great use of space to take control of the ball.
But they failed to convert, with Brisbane AFLW star Lauren Arnell only managing a behind halfway through the third, which would see out the Falcons' scoring for the match.
The win is sure to boost the Pies' confidence as they head into next week’s round seven clash against the top-positioned Western Bulldogs in Morwell next Saturday.
Gourlay said the Pies look forward to a fantastic opportunity posed by the Dogs and is confident her team will bring their all against such a tough opponent.
“It’ll be a good challenge especially with them losing today against Carlton they’ll be eager but it should be a great match up with a lot of their AFLW girls in and hopefully get another win on the board.”
Collingwood 4.3 7.5 7.10 11.13 (79)
Darebin 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)
Goals – Collingwood: Molloy 5, Lambert 4, Davey, Lynch
Darebin: Nil (Arnell behind)
Best - Collingwood: Layton, Molloy, Davey, Bonnici, Livingstone, Lambert
Darebin: Honybun, Arnell, McNiece, Szigeti, Eastman, Lawson-Tavan
Debutants: Layton, Lawry
