COLLINGWOOD reinvigorated ruck Sabrina Frederick has enjoyed a purple patch of form since a disappointing Round 1, culminating in a head-to-head battle win against Lions star Tahlia Hickie over the weekend. Frederick’s Pies claimed a come-from-behind five-point win over Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena.

Entering the league from the inaugural season, Frederick claimed back-to-back All-Australians and was one of the strongest contested marks in the league. In the following five seasons, Frederick played for three clubs, and though she had some big moments, ultimately could not find her groove at the Tigers, and took a while to have an impact at the Pies.

Though Frederick had a poor start to the year in the Pies’ loss to the Demons with only six touches and 11 hitouts playing through the ruck, she has recaptured some of her best form through that ruck role. Against Lauren Pearce and Georgia Campbell, Frederick was not able to have much of an influence, but since then, despite Collingwood’s up-and-down form, has been able to remain a consistent force.

In the past five games, Frederick is averaging career-highs in hitouts, clearances and tackles, which makes sense given her ruck role compared to her key forward position early in her career, but the ground level work complementing her marking ability is making her more well-rounded.

For those in the fantasy game, since only notching up 45 points in Round 1, she is averaging a whopping 87.4 points over the past five rounds. That is far higher than any other individual season.

It is perhaps symbolic of the Pies’ season where a player who might not have the traits or perhaps the standing of other recognised rucks in the league, is quietly going about her business and having an eye-catching year.

The Magpies are still in finals contention following the upset over Brisbane, but will need to ensure they do not drop any games they shouldn’t – such as the home loss to Gold Coast or the defeat to St Kilda – in the run home.