IN a blockbuster top four match, both Collingwood and Fremantle came into the match undefeated. On the night, the Dockers showed their authority, and why they are a genuine premiership contender, winning by 31 points, 5.8 (38) to 1.1 (7) at Victoria Park.

The Dockers also held Collingwood to the Magpies’ lowest ever AFLW score of seven points, which surpassed the Magpies’ forgettable effort against Melbourne in Round 2 of the 2019 season.

For majority of the match, both teams brought the intensity and not much scoring power, though Fremantle had the ability to find ways in the fourth quarter, leaving the Pies with no answers.

TALKING POINTS

Fremantle’s pressure resulting in skill errors for Collingwood

From the start of the first quarter, the fast start from Fremantle set the game up, with Roxanne Roux being lively, scoring a major goal within seconds. From there, the pressure applied resulted in the Magpies into skills errors, kicking to handballing, and being unable to have anything go their way, unable to dictate play and needing to be more aware they have plenty of time to go through their options.

The Magpies struggled to get the ball inside their forward 50 and could not find any ways to get the ball through their end of the field, which the Pies will be looking to address as a group before their next match.

One area at three quarter time was the inside count Fremantle had, leading 32-7 and the fact there was two goals was a talking point where it went wrong for the Pies. With Fremantle playing another game in the intense heat certainly suited the way they played and being used to training in the heat.

Aine Tighe’s ability to play different roles

Aine Tighe spent time in forward line across her first two games, but this time she found herself playing a role in the back 50. Matching up against Sabrina Frederick, she had the ability to play well at ground level, applying the pressure and able to get plenty of ball back, finishing the game with 14 disposals, eight kicks, six handballs, six marks and two tackles.

Docker stars step up

Whilst it was a team effort all round for Fremantle in all areas of the field, Hayley Miller, Gemma Houghton and Ebony Antonio were stars creating the spark in the forward line. Antonio finished with 15 disposals, nine kicks, six handballs, six marks and eight tackles along with one goal. Miller recorded two goals, 19 disposals, 13 kicks, six handballs, three marks and five tackles and Houghton managed with one goal, 13 disposals, seven kicks, three marks, six handballs and two tackles. Kiara Bowers was once again instrumental finishing the game with 26 disposals, 18 kicks, eight handballs two marks and eight tackles.

No panic stations yet for the Pies

Collingwood was still missing players despite some coming back from injuries and COVID protocols. One thing the Pies can take away from the match is being happy to only concede five goals from 40 entries. Whilst it was not their week this week, the Pies will certainly be out with a point to prove before next game.

NEXT GAME

Collingwood’s next match will be up against the West Coast Eagles (February 1) at Victoria Park, whilst for the Dockers, they face North Melbourne at North Hobart Oval on Sunday, February 6, both pending COVID-19 postponements.