HARD-NOSED Collingwood midfielder Tahlia Sanger put together a complete performance in the first game of the VFLW 2025 season, starring in a tough contest against the Casey Demons. A relentless competitor around the stoppages, Sanger showed her trademark work rate and physicality to lead the way through the middle, offering composure under pressure and impact across all four quarters.

Sanger finished with 23 disposals, nine tackles, four clearances and seven inside 50s, consistently lifting around stoppages and providing crucial drive going forward. Her ability to win contested ball, apply pressure and transition from defence to attack with purpose earned her this week’s Player Focus.

TAHLIA SANGER PROFILE

DOB: 18/08/2006
Height: 167cm
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Contested work, pressure acts, endurance, work rate, vision
Improvements: Polish, kicking consistency

PLAYER FOCUS:

2025 VFLW – Round 1:
Collingwood 7.5 (47) def. Casey Demons 3.1 (19)

#62 Tahlia Sanger (Collingwood)
Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 9 tackles, 4 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

FIRST HALF

Sanger wasted no time establishing her presence around stoppages. Her physicality and quick reactions were evident from the opening bounce, regularly getting first hands on the ball out of the ruck and often being the cleanest in congestion. Her early efforts were characterised by repeat pressure, with chases, smothers, and tackles that disrupted the Demons’ attempts to gain momentum.

A defining sequence came in the first term when Sanger smothered a kick after sprinting up the field, won the loose ball, and earned a free kick. It was a moment that set the tone for her day: gritty, relentless, and team oriented. Her work rate didn’t stop with ball in hand, she was just as impactful without it, making smart runs to support teammates and consistently putting her body on the line.

In the second quarter, Sanger’s intensity lifted further. She ran both ways, laying strong tackles and consistently being the first to a loose ball. Her ability to remain composed under pressure was clear, often collecting the ball cleanly even while being tackled, and getting handballs away to keep possession alive. Her spatial awareness allowed her to move into dangerous pockets and link up well with teammates pushing forward.

By half-time, Sanger had racked up a healthy disposal count while also registering several tackles – a mark of her two-way impact. Her presence in the ruck contests was vital, when she was around the ball Collingwood looked far more structured, with Sanger often cleaning up the chaos and providing meaningful forward movement.

SECOND HALF

Sanger’s second-half performance maintained the same high standard of effort and intent. Her clean hands and decision-making under pressure stood out as the game went on. At multiple stages, she won the ball on the deck and was able to distribute it effectively, showing strength through her on field physicality.

She began to find more space around the contest, making intelligent supportive runs and often being available as an option both offensively and defensively. A standout moment came in the third quarter when she worked her way into the perfect position outside of the ruck, collected cleanly, and delivered a well-weighted inside 50 kick that led to a set shot for a teammate and a goal.

Even when not directly involved in a disposal chain, Sanger’s shepherding, pressure, and running patterns were influential. She was regularly seen tracking back to support in defence and quickly transitioning forward to keep the ball moving. While she occasionally found herself under immediate pressure after collecting the ball, she was able to release handballs or kicks that gave her teammates a chance to reset or advance.

Her relentless energy didn’t wane, and her ability to impact multiple contests in the same passage of play reflected her high endurance and strong game sense. Whether it was through pressure acts, repeat efforts, or clean ball use, Sanger remained a crucial cog in Collingwood’s midfield machinery throughout the second half.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

Sanger delivered a well-rounded and hard-nosed performance against Casey, showcasing the type of midfield game built on effort, smarts, and consistency. Her ability to win clearances, apply pressure, and find teammates in space made her an influential figure around the ground.

When she was around the ruck, Collingwood’s midfield looked far more settled. Her timing, clean hands, and composure consistently elevated the team’s stoppage work. Add to that her running patterns and off-ball work, and it’s clear she plays well beyond her stat line.

Sanger’s combination of contested work, defensive grit, and smart offensive movement proves she’s an asset across all four quarters and a name to watch in the VFLW.