Match Report: Pies too strong in Vic Derby

It was a scrappy opening first term for both teams, our defensive line-up taking a while to click with Liv Lewis and Emily Mannix working in tandem to shut down Shimona Nelson and Sophie Garbin. It was to no avail as the Pies went into the first break up by four goals.

Collingwood maintained momentum for much of the second term despite the best efforts of Kiera Austin and Mwai Kumwenda under the post. Lewis stunned the crowd with some fancy footwork while Jo Weston’s long arms worked overtime to counter Kelsey Browne’s speed. We brought the margin down to three goals before the Magpies put the foot down to head into half-time up by five goals.

Squad member Sharni Lambden made her official SSN debut pulling on the wing defence bib after half-time, and wasted no time reeling in a huge intercept. The contest between Liz Watson and Ash Brazill continued to excite the crowd throughout the quarter, with neither willing to give an inch.

Mannix re-entered the game in goal keeper and made an immediate impact getting hands to ball in the final term, but the scoreboard pressure continued to mount as the Magpies pushed out to a 12-goal lead. A couple of handy super shots got us back within reach, but it was too little, too late as Collingwood secured the win.

Head coach Simone McKinnis was disappointed by the side’s start to the match but was pleased with the performance of debutant Lambden.

“I don’t think that we started with the intensity that we needed to, so then it’s hard to catch up and build that intensity and focus out on court.

“There were moments where [Lambden] did some really great things which was great to see,” she said.

We will be back at John Cain Arena next Saturday 7 May when we take on Queensland Firebirds in Round 8 – join us and wear a touch of pink to help us celebrate PLAY4BCNA round.

Tickets are available now via Ticketek.

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