Collingwood has defeated Essendon by 20 points at Punt Road Oval in round five of the AFLW season.

As the glaring sun set in across the city ahead of the AFL Grand Final, the Pies brought their own heat to keep their season alive with a 6.8 (44) to 3.6 (24) victory. 

Despite trailing across all metrics bar tackles early, Collingwood capitalised on its opportunities to keep itself in the game. Conceding the first five inside-50s, the Pies found a reply, winning two of the next three and scoring a goal from both entries. 

Bonnie Toogood proved to be a worry for Collingwood’s defence, kicking two goals in the first half on the back of strong leads and body work. 

Collingwood, however, largely denied Essendon’s opportunity to score with the breeze in the second quarter after Stephen Symonds called for its defence to tighten up during his quarter time address.  

Erica Fowler recorded her first goal in the AFLW which came as a reward for the Pies’ intensity.

Essendon continued to find plenty of the ball across the first half, but the Magpies were more impactful with their possessions. The Pies went on to win the inside 50 count in the second quarter, remaining composed in their decision making to secure a 13-point lead at the main break

After calling for a team effort amongst the midfield group following last week's loss to St Kilda, Symonds got his wish, with pressure released from Bri Davey as she switched to half forward. Her counterparts Aishling Sheridin, Sarah Rowe and Brit Bonnici were able to rise in her absence and drive the ball forward. 

Essendon appeared frustrated as the game wore on as it was unable to foster the ball movement that saw it dominate possession early, whilst also missing opportunities when going forward. 

Maddy Prespakis was immense, especially in the third term, which saw her gather 10 disposals - five contested - and lay three tackles.

Georgia Nanscawen also continued to put her body on the line, amassing 16 disposals and laying seven tackles in a day that the Bombers will use as a learning experience. 

Essendon battled hard, but despite more Toogood brilliance, it was unable to find enough opportunities to score. 

Sophie Alexander went to hospital following an incident in the final term as a precaution for neck soreness.

"We over-handballed it today, that’s for sure. That’s what good teams with pressure do, they force you into doing things you don’t really want to do, so credit to Collingwood with that. We’re trying to find that balance of getting those kick marks but also making sure we’ve got enough speed on the game - we’ll keep evolving that." - Essendon coach Natalie Wood

Up next
Essendon’s match-up against Geelong on Sunday will be an interesting one, with the afternoon game in Warrnambool shaping as an important moment for both teams to amplify their finals ambitions.

COLLINGWOOD      2.2     4.4     5.7      6.8 (44)
ESSENDON             1.0     2.1     2.2      3.6 (24) 

GOALS
Essendon: Toogood 3

BEST
Essendon: Prespakis, Toogood, Nanscawen, Wales, Cain 

INJURIES
Essendon: Sophie Alexander (concussion) 

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Punt Road Oval