COLLINGWOOD faces the ultimate AFL Women’s test, up against the benchmark North Melbourne team fresh off a record score and win against the Dockers. The Magpies were very good in defeat to Melbourne in Round 3, but the Round 4 opponent is another level up, so it will be fascinating to see how the black and whites fare.

NEED TO KNOW

Date: Sunday, September 7
Venue: Arden Street Oval
Time: 3:05pm local

TEAMS

North Melbourne:

Collingwood:

CHANGES

North Melbourne has lost star midfielder Jasmine Garner to that ankle injury she sustained last week and will miss between two to four weeks. The ladder leaders also regain the services of Bella Eddey following a shin complaint.

The Magpies have welcomed back two from their injury list with both Ruby Schleicher (concussion) and Muireann Atkinson (illness) back in the side. The two unlucky omissions are Georgia Clark and Alana Porter.

MISSING IN ACTION

The Roos are relatively healthy overall, and are only missing Nicole Bresnehan (hamstring) for the next month alongside Garner after Eddey’s return. Collingwood on the other hand have a number of first-choice players to come back in none less important than former skipper Brianna Davey (ankle) and rebounding defender Jordyn Allen (calf). Irish talent Kellyann Hogan (shoulder) and Charlotte Taylor (foot) are the other two expected to be available over the course of the season.

WHERE IT’S WON

As with most matches, the midfield is where it is won and lost, with North Melbourne able to win the contest on the inside, and then dominate on the outside. Funnily enough despite Fremantle actually winning the clearance numbers last week, the Roos still won by 100 points, showing that their transitional game and ability to find uncontested marks while moving the ball fast is better than anyone’s in the league.

The Roos’ wings Tess Craven and Taylah Gatt can sometimes fly under the radar given the quality of Garner and Ash Riddell, but they are crucial to the team success, and it would not be a surprise to see Collingwood coach Sam Wright ensure that gut-running Pies wings Sarah Rowe and Airlie Runnalls keep a close eye on them.

Collingwood was brilliant around the contest against the Dees and according to both coaches, should have rolled the premiership hopefuls. If they can repeat that does with Schleicher back and no Garner, then it comes down to using the ball well going forward. Their forwardline is not as potent as North’s, but Kalinda Howarth and Grace Campbell can pose a problem, while Sabrina Frederick consistently brings the ball to ground.

PREDICTION

Coming into the season this clash was earmarked as a David against Goliath battle, but David’s got a little bit stronger the past fortnight, and there is little doubt that this game – in enemy territory no less – is the ultimate AFLW acid test.

I doubt there are many – maybe only the most passionate, one-sided Magpies fans – who would be tipping Collingwood to get up in this one. Though the same could have been said last week against the Dees and the Magpies very nearly snatched it. In saying that, North Melbourne is simply the best team in the league, and if the Magpies can keep it competitive or at least not get blown away, that will be a positive step in the right direction.

North Melbourne by 23 points.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Sunday action kicks off with traditional rivals Kuwarna (Adelaide) taking on Brisbane at Norwood Oval. The Crows have welcomed back some big inclusions in Teah Charlton and Sarah Allan to try and make it three on the trot, while the Lions just need to balance the ledger having suffered a shock loss to Carlton in Round 3.

At the same time, Sydney welcomes Walyalup (Fremantle) to Henson Park as the Swans look to make it a 4-0 start. They have made three changes after losing Sofia Hurley to injury but bringing in Sarah Grunden and a couple of talls. The Dockers suffered a 100-point defeat to North Melbourne last week, and have swung the axe with debutant Holly Ifould and first-year player Georgie Brisbane among four inclusions.

Later on, Essendon is another side eyeing off a 4-0 start when it welcomes the terribly unlucky Geelong. The Cats are 0-3, but they might well have a case to be the best 0-3 in history, having copped a really tough draw to start the season, and having their chances in the past two weeks. If they kick straight it will be a challenge for the Bombers, with three total debutants in the match. Sophie Strong comes in for the Bombers, while Geelong brings in Lexi Gregor and Sienna Tallariti. The Cats have also sensationally dropped skipper Meghan McDonald.

Completing the last game of Round 4 is Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) tackling Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) at Mineral Resources Park. The Eagles have gone in unchanged as they bid for a 3-1 start, while the Power look to build on their big win over Gold Coast in Round 3 with the one change, Cheyenne Hammond making her return for the injured Kirsty Lamb.