Collingwood has suffered a 14-point loss to Melbourne in Saturday’s practice match at Olympic Park Oval.

Battling it out in hot conditions, the Pies looked strong from the first bounce and immediately applied pressure around the contest.

But the Demons were quick to gain control of the game and carried this through into the second term.

While the Pies were presented with opportunities early on, they struggled upon entry into their forward 50 and making it difficult to capitalise on the scoreboard.

Despite the loss, Magpies’ coach, Steve Symonds remains optimistic.

“There were certainly things we improved on from last week which is really positive”, Symonds told collingwoodfc.com.au post-match.  

“But our inside 50s needs work just with our connection there as we’re just not quite in sync at the moment. We’ll tidy that up over the next couple of weeks.”

02:11

AFLW Post Match: Steve Symonds

Hear from coach Steve Symonds as he discusses his side's progress after their practice match with the Melbourne Demons.

The Pies seemed to find a rhythm in the third that started with key forward, Jaimee Lambert claiming the team’s first major for the day. Jordan Membrey soon followed having found herself on her own and snapping a goal that saw the Pies take the lead for the first time in the match.  

But the Dees fought back with two consecutive goals that saw them take a 9-point at three quarter time.

Returning for the fourth, the Pies appeared steady and held their position well down the field.  

With just a minute left on the clock, Irish recruit, Aishling Sheridan kicked a major out of the pack to bring the final margin to 3.6 (24) to 6.2 (38).

There were more promising signs from young defender, Alana Porter who laid down several tough tackles including one on Aliesha Newman. The experience of Stacey Livingstone and Ash Brazill was crucial down back.

00:41

AFLW Post Match: Alana Porter

Hear from Alana Porter after today's practice match agains the Demons at the Holden Centre.

Chloe Molloy was dominate up forward in her return to the field while Brianna Davey impressed through the midfield in her first official outing as a Magpie.

The Pies will now resume pre-season training with just two weeks until their Round one hit-out against the Eagles.

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Collingwood – 0.4. 0.5  2.6. 3.6. (24)

Melbourne –   1.1.  2.1. 4.2. 6.2  (38)

Goals – Collingwood: Lambert, Membrey, Sheridan.

Injuries – Sophie Alexander – eye.