1. We really missed Ash Brazill
385 days later, Ash Brazill returned to the football field.
Brazill slotted back into an injury-ravaged backline and didn’t look a step off the pace, despite her lengthy stint on the sidelines due to an ACL injury.
She finished with 8 disposals, bringing back her trademark rebound from defence and clean hands at the contest – a sight for sore eyes for the Magpie Army.
2. Never give up on the chase
Is there anything better in football than a crowd-lifting tackle?
Whether it was Ruby Schleicher’s two goal-saving efforts, Jaimee Lambert’s hard-hitting run-down, or Sophie Casey’s bone-crunching bump, the Pies brought the heat on Saturday afternoon.
Led overall by Lambert (7 tackles), Steph Chiocci (5) and Sharni Norder (5), the Saints were limited in their run and opportunity due to the stifling pressure from the Pies across the ground.
3. Our defensive system is a well-oiled machine
After losing two key defenders in Jordyn Allen (foot) and Lauren Butler (hamstring) to season-ending injuries, there was a gap left in defence that needed to be filled.
The return of All-Australian Brazill, alongside the inclusion of Ebony O’Dea ensured that the Collingwood defensive unit didn’t miss a beat.
In addition to the career-best form of Schleicher, intensity of Casey and dominance of Stacey Livingstone, St Kilda could manage just two goals against a well-oiled Collingwood machine.
4. We’re getting closer to playing four quarters
Senior Coach Steve Symonds has continually emphasised the importance of playing four consistent quarters of football, and Saturday may just have been the closest the Pies have come all year.
Symonds was pleased with the intent shown from the get-go and while there still remains room for improvement, the endeavour from the girls to get back on the winners list couldn’t be questioned.
5. Aliesha Newman is capable of serious scoreboard damage
Aliesha Newman recorded her first goal in black and white on Saturday afternoon and before we could blink, she had three.
The small forward demonstrated exactly why the Pies were so excited to welcome her to the club this season, igniting a spark inside the forward fifty and causing the St Kilda defence some serious headaches.
