COLLINGWOOD has been competitive of late, and will need to find its best again when tackling an unbeaten and impressive Sydney Swans outfit. Sydney heads into the game as strong favourites, though the Pies have hardly rolled over in season 2025, so will make life a little challenging for the red and white.

NEED TO KNOW

Date: Saturday, September 13
Venue: Victoria Park
Time: 1:05pm local

TEAMS

Collingwood:

Sydney:

CHANGES

Both sides have only made one change, with Collingwood regaining rebounding defender Jordyn Allen who replaces Annie Lee in the side. Sydney has dropped a tall in Rebecca Privitelli, recalling a forward/midfield rotation option in Amelia Martin.

MISSING IN ACTION

The return of Allen means the Pies are just waiting on former skipper Brianna Davey (ankle) to return through the midfield, with Kellyann Hogan, Selena Karlson and Charlotte Taylor becoming available over the next month.

Sydney is waiting on the return of Sofia Hurley from a foot injury a couple of weeks ago. She is two to three weeks off, while Kiara Hillier is recovering from concussion in an otherwise healthy list.

WHERE IT’S WON

The battle through the midfield will be a fascinating one, with Laura Gardiner and Montana Ham both in ripping form, and ex-Pie Chloe Molloy set to cause more than a few headaches between the forward 50 and midfield. If the Swans get field position, it is hard to see the Magpies quelling them given the way Sydney sets up, and it could be similar to the loss to North Melbourne last week.

Though the Swans are not quite as mature and experienced as teh Roos, they are building a great brand of footy, and there is a reason they have not lost yet. They will be wary of Collingwood’s team defence which is only helped by the return of Allen who can play a mix of offensive and defensive roles depending on the day. There is speed behind the ball for the Magpies, it is about the decision making once they have it.

Up forawrd the Pies rely on the likes of Sabrina Frederick and Kalinda Howarth, while it will be fascinating to see if number one pick Ash Centra rolls forward and lines up on fellow Top 10-er Zippy Fish at some stage. We have also seen Scott Gowans roll Tanya Kennedy onto a player if they get off the chain like Georgie Prespakis did in the tight win over the Cats, so it could be a watch on Brittany Bonnici.

PREDICTION

Sydney is 4-0 for a reason, while the Pies are building but not there yet. If they can challenge Sydney around the ball and restrict the Swans’ fast ball movement, they can make a game of it. But if Sydney wear the Pies down, expect the Swans to kick away in the second half. Sydney by 15 points.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Over at Ikon Park, Carlton has lost both Yasmin Duursma and skipper Abbie McKay for the clash against Gold Coast, with the Suns bringing back Charlie Rowbottom which makes the loss of McKay all the more significant. Young gun Tara Harrington makes her debut as defender Meara Girvan also returns, while for teh Blues, Brooke Vickers, Lila Keck and Aisling Reidy coming into the side.

Melbourne has not made a change for its road trip to Alberton Oval as the Dees look to make it five on the trot against a Port Adelaide side whose form has fluctuated this season. The Power have been able to add Kirsty Lamb and smooth-moving debutant Jasmine Evans to the team in what will be a huge challenge for last year’s preliminary finalists.

In the last Saturday game to ensure no clashing with the men’s finals, Western Bulldogs make the trek to Canberra to tackle the winless GWS Giants. The Giants have kept the same 21 for the side, while the Bulldogs have brought in a trio of players in Brooke Barwick, Naomi Ferres and debutant Keeley Hardingham for the 4:35pm battle at Manuka Oval.