Collingwood 5.6 (36) d Carlton 3.0 (18)
In the eagerly awaited opener for the seventh AFLW season, Collingwood claimed more bragging rights over their arch-rivals Carlton, this time at Ikon Park with an 18-point win on Thursday night.
The two sides opened the historic first season with all 18 AFL clubs in the competition, five-and-a-half years after they ran out for the first AFLW game. It was the fourth time they’ve opened a season, along with 2017, 2018 and 2021.
Collingwood defeated Carlton to open the seventh AFLW season.Credit:AFL Photos
The two sides had met six times previously, each claiming three wins – Carlton the first three, and Collingwood the next three. But the Pies have now taken the lead, tilting the ledger in their favour.
The Pies were the classier and more composed side on the night and showcased more discipline, which could be credited to having more experience on the field.
They took the lead halfway through the second term, with two goals in quick succession from Imogen Evans and Tarni Brown, upping the pressure after the first break.
This put the Blues on the back foot and the home side was made to play chaser for the rest of the night. Despite a good work rate across the park, especially from their midfielders, Carlton found it hard to exit their defensive 50 or get avenues to goal. This was while Collingwood revealed a slew of contributors on goal.
There was an injury scare for onballer Mimi Hill after she copped a corkie to her left thigh in the warm-up and had half her leg heavily strapped, but it didn’t stop last season’s rising star from being a chief ball winner. The 19-year-old finished with 26 disposals and was crucial for the Blues’ midfield. She was well-supported by Abbie McKay (22 disposals), and Lucy McEvoy (24 disposals), who played behind the ball and was in doubt for this season after a shoulder injury.
Lauren Butler of the Magpies is tackled by Jessica Dal Pos.Credit:AFL Photos
Fan-favourite Darcy Vescio hit the scoreboard in their 50th game, the two-time league leading goalkicker holding their space. There was also a terrific goal from Blues ruck Breann Moody in the third term, who imposed herself into the game having a crucial impact with 24 hitouts.
For Collingwood, onballer Jaimee Lambert finished with 12 disposals in her 50th game but worryingly came off in the fourth term clearly in pain with a left ankle injury.
Co-captain Steph Chiocci was, remarkably, left open often throughout the game and was crucial in driving the ball from defence into offence, while All-Australian defender Ruby Schleicher was moved into the midfield and had an immediate impact, finishing with 20 disposals, the most for the Pies.
Two debutants, Carlton forward Mia Austin and Collingwood midfielder Imogen Evans, both made statements with goals for their respective sides.
The Pies have been one of the strongest sides of late, finishing sixth but bowing out of finals in the first round amid COVID-19 interruptions, while Carlton finished eighth and missed finals for their second season in a row.
The fans were captivated during the AFLW season-opener.Credit:AFL Photos
The win puts Collingwood in good stead heading into the rest of the season, while Carlton can walk away happy with a promising display against a dominant side, especially from a lot of their younger brigade.
The game opens a blockbuster round one weekend, including a grand final rematch on Friday night between Adelaide and Melbourne, and Essendon and Hawthorn’s inaugural rival clash at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. Sydney and Port Adelaide also have their first games on Saturday, against St Kilda and West Coast respectively.
Carlton: 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 (18)
Collingwood: 2.0 4.2 5.4 5.6 (36)
GOALS
Carlton: Mia Austin, Darcy Vescio, Breann Moody.
Collingwood: Jordan Membrey, Eloise Chaston, Imogen Evans, Tarni Brown, Jordyn Allen.
BEST
Carlton: Mimi Hill, Breann Moody, Lucy McEvoy, Abbie McKay, Jessica Dal Pos.
Collingwood: Steph Chiocci, Jaimee Lambert, Ruby Schleicher, Tarni Brown, Lauren Butler.
Attendance: 4128
