Essendon was overcome by Collingwood by 26 points at RAMS Arena in round 13.
The Bombers were facing an uphill battle after conceding heavily while kicking into a stiff breeze in the first quarter.
However, a disciplined defensive effort and relentless pressure on the ladder-leaders saw Essendon equal the scoring after the first change to finish the match 3.5 (23) to 6.13 (49) but having at least proven its ability to compete against quality opposition in tough conditions.
Early adjustment to the typically blustery Craigieburn conditions was crucial for the underdogs but the Bombers were immediately put under pressure by the undefeated Magpies.
Collingwood used the wind to kick four goals to none in the opening quarter before Essendon gritted its teeth in playing assistant coach Lauren Morecroft’s 100th match.
Veteran defender Tanya Hetherington’s positioning behind the ball and intercept possessions across the first three quarters were crucial for the Bombers. In the final quarter, Hetherington tagged AFLW Magpie and former Diamond Creek teammate Stephanie Chiocci and iced her match with a textbook snap from the boundary for Essendon’s third goal.
Jess Anwyl stood up to play with aplomb in defence while up forward, Monique De Matteo continued her good vein of form and Irena Malliaras snuck through a goal upon her return to the side.
In difficult conditions for a tall, debutant Eleanor Cornish handled herself well as the first development train-on squad player to be elevated to senior level.
Although praising his troops for sticking to its structures after the opening quarter, coach Brendan Major pulled no punches in his post-match assessment.
“We rocked up at the 15-minute mark of the second quarter,” Major said.
“We handled the conditions alright, it’s just in the first quarter we were trying to do too much into the wind.”
Although chaired off on a losing day, Morecroft played with her customary bustle. Major says the 31-year-old’s contribution to the inaugural VFL Women’s team has been crucial.
“LJ (Morecroft) has been instrumental to the program. She brings a level of aggression and a level of skill that you need to aspire to in this competition and that’s what we’re trying to build.”
Essendon travels to Geelong to play the Cats in a VFLW/M double header next Saturday at GHMBA Stadium from 4.30pm.
ESSENDON 0.0 2.1 2.1 3.5 (23)
COLLINGWOOD 4.2 5.3 6.11 6.13 (49)
GOALS
Essendon – De Matteo, Malliaras, Hetherington
Collingwood – Chiocci 2, Edwards 2, Casey, Bateman
BEST
Anwyl, Hetherington, Ugle, MacDonald, Collier, Madden
