In challenging circumstances on Sunday afternoon, Collingwood defeated Geelong by six points, dealing a significant setback to their quest for a fifth consecutive finals series.
Geelong’s late offensive onslaught was ultimately ineffective as the Pies prevailed 4.6 (30) to 3.6 (24) at Victoria Park. The sole setback for Collingwood, who has now won four straight games, came from key defender Lauren Butler’s hamstring issue, which forced her to leave the game with precautionary hamstring monitoring halfway through the second quarter.
In a windy Melbourne day with intermittent rain, the winner was the one who could adjust to the weather the best. The Pies exerted great effort to seize and hold territory, applying constant pressure to the Cats’ defense.
Geelong’s defense held strong during the first quarter, giving up only two points from 13 inside 50s, but after the first break, everything began to fall apart. Collingwood acknowledged that it would not be able to play elegant football; instead, they would need to gain ground at every opportunity and outnumber opponents when the ball came down.
Mikala Cann, who had 24 disposals, 17 contested possessions, and a goal, was outstanding for the home team. She dominated the game and truly set the bar high for her group. Brianna Davey, the captain, was impressive once again with 19 disposals and 8 tackles. She usually started in the forward line and worked her way up to the fight.
Sabrina Frederick was excellent for the Pies in a situation that did not encourage tall players to perform well. She appeared to play with a dry ball as she concluded the game with 39 hitouts, 10 disposals, and five tackles while moving smoothly through the ruck in her new position.
Nina Morrison made a valiant effort to spark the Cats, kicking the team’s first goal late in the third quarter and playing a flawless final quarter to set up goals for Jackie Parry and Zali Friswell, but they were painfully short.
Next week, the Pies will go to Sydney to play the Swans, who are presently ranked tenth with four wins and four defeats.
COLLINGWOOD 0.2 2.2 4.5 4.6 (30)
GEELONG 0.1 0.2 1.3 3.6 (24)
GOALS
Collingwood: Cann, Morris, Fowler, Morris-Dalton
Geelong: Morrison, Friswell, Parry
INJURIES
Collingwood: Lauren Butler (hamstring awareness)
Geelong: Nil
