Collingwood will return home to Victoria Park in Round 8 for a Saturday afternoon showdown with the Saints.
Coming off Round 7:
The Pies were dealt their first loss of the 2021 AFLW season last weekend, going down to the red-hot Lions.
The defeat displayed just how tight it is at the top of the table, with Collingwood now slipping to third overall and trailing Fremantle and the Lions on percentage.
Collingwood were valiant but left too much work to do in the final term, facing an 18-point deficit at the last change.
Goals to Aishling Sheridan and Joanna Lin narrowed the margin but time eluded the Pies, who fell short by three points.
Brittany Bonnici more than held her own, racking up 28 disposals, ably supported by Jaimee Lambert (22 disposals) and Steph Chiocci (16 disposals).
An eye on the opposition:
St Kilda’s 2-5 record currently places them in 11th position on the AFLW table, off the back of a 20-point defeat at the hands of the Giants.
The Saints will be looking to amend the slow start which held them back last week, as they allowed the Giants to boot four unanswered goals in an opening term which was doused in torrential rain.
Georgia Patrikios continued her impressive season with 27 possessions, but had little support around the ball with just five other players finding at least ten disposals.
The Saints will take solace from their tackling pressure – registering 103 for the match, led by Tyanna Smith (14), Catherine Phillips (12), Alice Burke and Patrikios (10).
The Pies will need to withstand the Saints’ pressure and make the most of their opportunities in order to get over the line.
Pies to look out for:
Sharni Norder is building into the season nicely, last week recording 17 disposals and leading the total hit-outs for the match with 17.
One of 2020’s most improved players, Layton’s tap work has been key in servicing the Pies’ midfield, while her voice and leadership on field always play an important factor.
Collingwood’s backline will need to step up to cover the gap left by Jordyn Allen and Lauren Butler, who were dealt season-ending injuries last week.
Foundation Magpie Sophie Casey will look to utilise her experience and leadership to fill the void. Her trademark physicality and clean hands will play a key role in ensuring the line continues their impressive form this season.
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2021 AFL WOMEN'S – ROUND 8
Collingwood v St Kilda
Saturday 20 March, 3.10pm (AEDT)
Victoria Park
