AFTER a dominant pre-season tournament the Magpies looked in good stead to take the competition by storm. Collingwood notched up a convincing Round 1 win before faltering as the season went on, struggling to find consistency but hitting their straps at the right time to sneak into the finals.

Position: 4th
Percentage: 102.2%
Win-loss: 7-2-5

Overview:

The Pies were a player down from the get go with co-captain Madi Browne ruled out for the season after tearing her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). In her place New Zealand Silver Fern Kimiora Poi found her way into the black and white dress playing her part in the latter half of the season and using her speed to full advantage. New recruit Geva Mentor had an immediate impact down back, winning ball back with her tenacity and cleanliness while speedster Kelsey Browne worked her way into the Collingwood line-up. Browne struggled to assert herself straight away but steadily built into the season with her dynamic movement and clever ball placement. Shimona Nelson had a breakout season at her new club showcasing her strong holds and good hands, pairing well with veteran Nat Medhurst who found her feet straight away. Staple hold April Brandley worked hard in defence applying smothering pressure but the biggest surprise came after the World Cup with Ash Brazill pushing into centre and Kim Ravaillion into wing defence with the switch up proving masterful. The Magpies showed glimpses of pure brilliance outclassing their opponents with their ball speed but were unable to maintain that intensity long enough, knocked out in the elimination final.

Shining light:

Brazill went to another level this season showcasing her sheer athleticism and running opponents into the ground with her high endurance and aerial ability. The wing defence turned centre highlighted her versatility able to play both positions effortlessly and have a profound impact. Renowned for her defensive efforts with her three-foot marking and smothering pressure she displayed another element to her game, able to hit circle edge with pace and precision which proved to be crucial in Collingwood’s surge into finals.

2020 predictions:

Nelson has come along in leaps and bounds during season 2019 and will be looking to further develop her skills, game sense and accuracy to post to have a more profound impact under the post next year. While criticised at times for her hands, Nelson has made noticeable inroads with her ability to rein in loose ball and could be a focal point for the Pies in 2020 with her agility. Paired with the likes of Medhurst, the Jamaican goal shooter could really develop into something special if she is able to maintain her composure, holds and movement in the circle. Her confidence has steadily grown throughout the year and with another pre-season under her belt she could pose a commanding threat.