COLLINGWOOD survived a nail-biting contest against Sandringham Zebras on a day where the black and white saluted one of its best in the AFL men’s competition, defeating the home side by a single point, 3.9 (27) to 3.8 (26). There were a number of ex-Zebras now in black and white including Abbey Tregellis (14 disposals, 11 tackles and four clearances) and Ash Patton (12 disposals, five marks and four tackles) who enjoyed the win for their new side.

Always expected to be a real midfield slog, the Pies lead by a point at quarter time, but with both sides unable to really capitalise on chances in the first half, the Zebras headed into half-time with a 1.5 (11) to 1.4 (10) advantage. Last year’s minor premiers and runners-up started to get going in the premiership quarter as they nudged ahead by eight points with a two goals to one term, but a goal to former AFLW Hawk Sophie Locke trimmed the deficit to just one point in the seventh minute of the final quarter.

Incredible neither team added to its tally from there, with the Magpies getting up by the barest of margins. The black and whites had 40 more disposals (233-193), largely using a handball style game (100-66) compared to the Zebras’ kick-first mentality. Sandringham actually had one more inside 50 (27-26) in a game that was largely played between the arcs. Collingwood won the hitouts (49-20) and clearances (31-23), while taking 16 more marks (48-32) while both sides were around the triple-digits for tackles.

In a real even performance across the ground – where the top ball-winners hit 16 disposals – it was the likes of skipper Dominique Carbone (16 disposals, 11 tackles, two clearances), former Cat Lily Jordan (15 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles, two clearances and two rebound 50s) and Tregellis who contributed around the ball. Over-ager Zoe Wilkinson (14 disposals, two marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and a goal) was strong, while fellow youngsters Tahlia Sanger and Ella Jeffrey complemented the side through the middle, and Tamara Henry was strong down back.

For the Zebras, skipper Grace Hodder was enormous around the ball, racking up a game-high seven clearances to go with 14 touches, 13 tackles and three inside 50s, while ex-Pies Alana Porter (16 disposals, four marks, seven tackles, five inside 50s and two rebound 50s) and Charlotte Taylor (14 disposals, three marks, three tackles, two clearances and two rebound 50s) had points to prove. Former VFLW Demon Mackenzie Williams was consistent again, while Locke was dangerous as ever in side 50.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Box Hill Hawks secured an equally thrilling one-point victory, coming from behind to defeat Williamstown by a point, 4.3 (27) to 3.8 (26). After conceding the first two goals of the game, the Hawks ground out a tough win, kicking four goals to one in the last three quarters at the windy DSV Stadium. Hannah Stuart and Ella Stoddart provided plenty of run and carry, while the usual suspects in Stasia Stevenson and Matilda Van Berkel were terrific once again. Bella Smith was enormous through the middle in defeat for the Seagulls, as Emily Eaves stood up too.

Port Melbourne held on gallantly against a fast-finishing Darebin Falcons outfit to win by just three points at ETU Stadium. The Borough booted five of the first six goals of the match and looked to be well on top, before the Falcons completely dried up the home team’s scoring. Though Darebin kicked hte last four goals of the match and kept Port Melbourne to just two behinds in the second half, the Falcon fell short, 5.5 (35) to 5.2 (32). Mia Caffry and Eloise Ashley-Cooper were among the best for Port Melbourne, while Caitlin Bunker and Alyssa Mifsud stood out for the Falcons.

Reigning premiers North Melbourne Werribee needed the full four quarters but eventually shook off Carlton in a 11.6 (72) to 6.4 (40) victory at Ikon Park. The Blues stunned the visitors with a six goals to three opening half, before the back-to-back champions clicked into gear with 8.3 to 0.2 in the second half to run out 32-point winners. Recruits Ava Seton and Abby Favell alongside the reliable Alana Barba and Maddie Di Cosmo, while Hannah Scott tried hard through the middle for the Blues with Mia Fuller.

Geelong picked up its first VFLW win by keeping an inaccurate Essendon goalless. The Cats booted 4.8 to 0.12 in a battle of the 12 scoring shots apiece, in what was a memorable victory for the young visitors. Bindi and Tyla Crabtree brought plenty to the side since returning from Southport, while Mekah Morrissy and Isabella Davies were strong. Isobella Hishongwa-Gibb was a shining light through the ruck for hte Bombers, with ex-Cat Brooke Plummer among the best for the Bombers.

Completing Round 2 of action was a standalone Sunday match where the Western Bulldogs came out firing after a Round 1 bye to knock off Casey Demons on the road, 6.5 (41) to 3.0 (18). The Bulldogs lead from start to finish and had a host of contributors across the board. Eleanor Bishop and Jorja Livingstone found plenty of the ball, while ex-Pies Sarah Sansonetti and Erica Fowler were also among the best. For the Demons, Tylah Burn and Lillian Snow tried hard.