After coming out victorious in their Qualifying Final, the Magpies will travel to Brisbane to take on the Lions at the Gabba to compete for a spot in the AFLW Grand Final.
Coming off Qualifying Final:
History was made at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, as Collingwood took part in not only their first home final but the first final at Victoria Park in the club’s 129-year history.
The Pies celebrated the occasion with their first ever AFLW finals victory, in turn locking in their first ever Preliminary Final.
It was a game of swinging momentum, with the Pies taking hold in the final quarter to overcome a 14-point deficit and snatch victory in a stirring comeback.
Brianna Davey led the way with 31 disposals – an AFLW finals record, while Stacey Livingstone was a rock in defence once more, racking up 10 intercepts.
Last time we met:
Collingwood’s first defeat of the 2021 AFLW season came at the hands of the Lions back in Round 7.
A last-minute venue change grounded the Pies who were moments away from a flight to Hickey Park, with the flexibility of the two teams tested as the match was rescheduled to Whitten Oval.
It was ultimately the Lions who adapted best, mastering the windy conditions to hold on to a 3-point victory.
Brisbane’s attack on the football earned them an early lead, but it was perhaps what they managed defensively that was most impressive. Cathy Svarc held Brianna Davey to just 14 disposals and Bree Koenen kept Chloe Molloy to five without score.
Although trailing by 16 points at the final change, the Pies could take solace from their final quarter comeback. With Jordyn Allen (ankle) and Lauren Butler (hamstring) both sidelined for the entire second half, Collingwood rallied in the final term and refused to lay down without a fight.
While they ultimately fell short, Brittany Bonnici was gallant in defeat, racking up a game-high 28 disposals.
An eye on the opposition:
The Lions clinched second spot on the AFLW table to earn a week off and a home Preliminary Final.
A strong season resulted in a seven-and-two ledger, with losses to first-placed Adelaide in Round 4 and a final round upset at the hands of the Demons a fortnight ago.
The game was a missed opportunity for Brisbane who claimed a 17-point lead in the third quarter but let the game slip in the final term.
Ally Anderson (22 disposals) continued her stand-out season while Dakota Davidson booted two goals to take her home-and-away tally to 13.
Overall, Brisbane are one of the most evenly distributed teams in the competition and have demonstrated their consistency and spread throughout the season.
Pies to look out for:
A foundation Magpie, a defensive mainstay and one of the most consistent performers of the 2021 AFLW season – Stacey Livingstone has been a rock.
Livingstone has averaged 13.4 disposals, 7.6 intercepts and 3.6 marks a game and leads the league in rebound 50s.
Livingstone has stood up as the general down back amidst a host of injuries and while changes have come, Livingstone’s performance has never wavered.
Another of Collingwood’s most consistent performers has been Brittany Bonnici – leading the league in average disposals with 24.7 touches, alongside an impressive 320 metres gained.
The last time the two sides met, the Lions put significant work into controlling Brianna Davey and off the back of a prolific Qualifying Final performance, you could expect the same again. While it would be surprising to see Collingwood's co-captain held to quite the same degree as the previous encounter, it will be vital for the midfield unit to provide support around her.
Ticketing:
General public tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster.
Adults: $10
Under 18: FREE (but must still register online)
Tickets will not be available at the gate and must be purchased online prior to the match.
How to watch:
All 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series matches will be broadcast live on the Seven Network, FOX FOOTY, Kayo, and via the AFL Live Official App, thanks to Telstra. Matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Live Official App.
2021 AFL WOMEN'S – PRELIMINARY FINAL
Brisbane v Collingwood
Saturday 10 April, 4.10pm
Gabba
