Essendon VFLW has suffered a loss despite a fourth-quarter comeback, going down to ladder-leader Collingwood by 20 points at Windy Hill on Saturday.
Hoping to build on last week's win over Melbourne Uni, the Bombers trailed by 14 points at the nine-minute mark of the final term, before a goal brought them back within striking distance.
But it wasn’t long before Collingwood responded with back-to-back goals, helping the visitors to a 3.2 (20) to 6.4(40) triumph.
Essendon broke away with the lead early thanks to a Maighan Fogas major, while a late goal from Collingwood forward Jaimee Lambert levelled the scores at the first break.
The Magpies continued to kick away, controlling the majority of the play in a three-goal-to-zero second term.
The VFLW Dons started to show signs of a comeback, but opportunities in front of goal were missed.
Essendon came out for a fiery third quarter, with higher pressure and intensity around the ball.
Lori Stepnell kept the Bombers on the scoreboard, pushing the margin to 13 points to reward the efforts of the young side.
At the other end, Essendon’s defence including Molly Warburton, Eloise Ashley-Cooper and Kirby Hicks were impermeable, keeping Collingwood goalless in the third term.
Despite losing key personnel Courtney Ugle to injury late in the term, the Dons started to show some speed and intensity in controlling the contest.
The Bombers’ efforts meant they were still in the match in the final quarter, getting as close as seven points after a Jessica Stassi major.
The Dons defended gamely under siege as the game came to a close, but Lambert scored her third in the final minutes of the game to secure victory for Collingwood.
Essendon VFLW will take on GWS in a practice match on Saturday, July 13, before facing Darebin the week after.
The first bounce will be at 10:30am at The Hangar.
Essendon 1.0 1.0 2.1 3.2 (20)
Collingwood 1.0 4.2 4.3 6.4 (40)
GOALS
Essendon – Fogas, Stepnell, Stassi
Collingwood – Lambert 3, Molloy, Cann, Buchan
Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.
