Essendon’s VFLW side have claimed their second consecutive win over the weekend, defeating the Pies by 17 points at Victoria Park.
The Bombers fought valiantly and maintained momentum throughout the four quarters on Saturday, which was essential in the team’s win.
An early major by Sophie Molan started the first term strongly for the Bombers, closely followed by consecutive goals from Tia Davidge, who’s looked lively going forward this season.
The Pies had several chances to apply scoreboard pressure in the first quarter but couldn’t find a goal until late in the term, with the Bombers holding a nine-point lead at the first change.
Bombers debutant Emily Tassiopolous got off to a flyer, booting her first goal for the club to kickstart the second term, before the Pies clawed back to respond with two majors in two minutes.
With the Dons needing a reply of their own, AFLW draftee Emily Gough was up for it, kicking two goals in 40 seconds, while midfielder Ruby Mahony provided some inside strength and tackling pressure.
Essendon held a 16-point lead at the half-time break after a back-and-forth opening.
After the main change, a quick succession of majors from the Pies closed the scoreboard gap early in the quarter, however key forward Jayda Richardson replied with a score of her own, before skipper El Chaston launched a huge goal from the centre square in the final minutes of the quarter to provide some breathing room.
The Bombers withstood pressure from Collingwood in the final term, however the early lead held them in good stead, with Molan’s second goal securing the eventual 17-point win.
Mahony was tough in the contest all day, finishing with 21 disposals and eight tackles as one of the Dons’ best, while ruck Matilda Dyke marked her first Essendon VFLW game with 19 disposals and nine hit-outs.
The Bombers now turn their attention to their first interstate clash of the season against GWS at Blacktown Oval this Sunday.
COLLINGWOOD 1.3 3.3 5.5 7.5 (47)
ESSENDON 3.0 6.1 9.1 10.4 (64)
GOALS
Molan 2, Gough 2, Davidge 2, Tassiopoulos, Richardson, Porter, Chaston
BEST
Mahony, Dyke, Molan, Gough
