Collingwood’s VFLW team has claimed its fourth win in a row, defeating the Casey Demons by three points at Casey Fields on Sunday.
The Demons started off strong with dominant pressure around the ball.
The Pies sought options wide but appeared hesitant, struggling to get the ball into their forward line.
Demon Maddy Guerin was quick to hit the scoreboard, producing a goal from a set shot just outside 50.
Sarah Dargan swiftly responded, snapping a goal on the run but was soon followed was Katherine Smith taking another for the Dees.
But it was all the Pies in the second term, with the Demons unable to score.
In her first game back of the VFL season, Steph Chiocci was dominant, kicking two goals, one of which proved vital for the Pies in narrowing the Demons' lead to a single point early in the second term.
Slotting her second for the day was Dargan, taking the Pies into the lead where they’d remain for the rest of the game.
Still, in the third quarter the Pies appeared to have slightly lost their nerve, struggling to move the ball forward and make the most of their opportunities that ultimately saw them goalless throughout the term.
The Demons were able to capitalise with Ainslie Kemp and Guerin taking two important goals to narrow Collingwood's lead to three points at the final change.
It was all or nothing for both sides as they returned in the fourth, a goal from co-captain Grace Buchan gave the Pies the buffer they needed.
A late snap from Casey's Harriet Cordner narrowed the margin again to three points, but the Pies managed to hold on and walk away victors.
Steph Chiocci was glad to be back on the field and was excited to be playing alongside a new group of teammates.
“It’s a new fresh group this year with lots of youth but it’s also great to bring in some senior AFLW players who provide great experience to the team,” Chiocci told collingwood.com.au.
She was also pleased to see a number of her teammates take the next step in their development.
“Aisling Curley, our Irish recruit, played a vital role through the midfield and forward line and I can’t wait great to see her develop throughout the rest of the season,” Chiocci said.
“It was also great to see Paige Nash make the move forward and have strong impact there having prominently played down back.
“That’s what’s so great about this program, the fact that it allows for versatility and encourages player growth and development.”
The Pies will return to the field next Saturday, June 15, when they’ll take on the Darebin Falcons at Preston City Oval at 12pm.
Collingwood 1.0 4.3 4.4 5.4 (34)
Casey 2.1 2.1 4.0 5.1 (31)
Goals – Collingwood: Dargan 2, Chiocci 2, Buchan
Casey: Guerin 2, Smith, Kemp, Cordner
Best - Collingwood: Molloy, Davey, Allen, Bonnici, Chiocci, Schleicher, Lee.
Debutant: Nicola Xenos
