THERE may be half as many games in the VFLW today as compared to yesterday, but Sunday’s action is just as important in determining the way the ladder will look at the end of the season.

MATCH OF THE DAY

Collingwood vs Darebin
11:05am
Preston City Oval

HEAD TO HEAD

There is a fair amount of history between these sides, but unfortunately for Darebin it is a very one-sided history.

Today will be the eighth time these two sides have met, and Collingwood has won every single one of the previous seven clashes between the sides.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Last time these sides met was back in Round 5, and that afternoon Collingwood came away with a 28-point win. It was a low-scoring start to the game, but in the end Darebin could not get the score on the board as the Pies kicked away a little to take the win.

Lauren Brazzale was the pick of the goalkickers that day with two, while Angelica Gogos picked up a whopping 15 clearances.

KEY MATCH UP

MEGAN RYAN vs MONIQUE DEMATTEO

Although she is not their only avenue to goal, DeMatteo is by far Darebin’s most important one. Playing against her old side today, she has evolved a lot as a player since coming across from Collingwood after last season, and has become even more of a dangerous target than she was before.

One player that did not play with her last year but is suited to match up on her is the Pies’ skipper in Ryan. Although normally a midfielder or a ruck, she is listed to start down back today and has played a bit of defence this season, and has both the height and the body strength to match it with a DeMatteo.

RAMIFICATIONS

For Collingwood, if the Magpies win today they will jump into the top six. Lose, and it becomes a do-or-die battle for finals next week.

For Darebin on the other hand, the equation is pretty simple. Win, and the Falcons keep the faintest of finals hopes alive. Lose, and their season is done.

OTHER MATCHES

Carlton vs Southern Saints | 12pm at Ikon Park