Gemma’s comments are mostly on target, but we, er, disagree on whether a couple players were out there.
NEW COLLINGWOOD captain Ruby Schleicher has been cleared of non-muscular injury after a heavy hit to the back in Saturday’s match simulation against Essendon.
Early in the second term Schleicher was caught in a contest at half-forward, and copped a knee to her lower right back, and needed to be helped from the field.
She was ruled out for the remainder of the game, looking very proppy, and after undergoing scans has been cleared of any structural damage.
Schleicher will be monitored in the coming days for any ongoing muscular concerns.
Collingwood started the match well, dominant out of the middle by way of Schleicher and Brittany Bonnici. Notably Sabrina Frederick and Imogen Barnett shared ruck and key forward duties, with an intention to get both players around the ball and involved in the play.
Kalinda Howarth was a welcome addition to the forward line with three goals after sitting out last season recovering from an ACL injury, while Alana Porter and draftee Georgia Knight hit the scoreboard. And Irishwoman Kellyann Hogan showed off some neat running patterns up forward in her first competitive game of footy.
Lauren Butler, who only played five games last season due to injury, played as the deepest defender, often going head-to-head with Bonnie Toogood, while second-year player Georgia Clark looks set for a switch from forward to defence.
Returning home to the half back line, Tarni White offered organisation to the line, while recruits Airlie Runnalls and Violet Patterson covered plenty of ground on the wings.
The Pies were without a handful of stars, including Brianna Davey, Mattea Breed, Jordyn Allen, and Nell Morris-Dalton. Morris-Dalton, who is managing a back issue that kept her out of last season, is hoping to be available by round five.
Essendon, meanwhile, played without Brooke Brown, Brooke Walker, Sophie Van De Heuvel, and Georgia Clarke, but gave valuable minutes to draftees Taya Chambers, Holly Ridewood, Sophie Strong, and Grace Belloni.
Chambers and Ridewood looked at home in defence, both having some big moments with Chambers laying a big tackle on Frederick early in the game, and Ridewood taking the game on through the corridor.
Belloni’s neat skill and repeat efforts were also on show, while Amy Gaylor appears to have consolidated the form that saw her finish third in the Telstra Rising Star race last year.
Georgia Nanscawen spent some time up forward, while replacement signing Maggie MacLachlan worked well on the wing, pushing up to hit the scoreboard.
Both Brooke Sheridan and Grace Brooker executed some big defensive efforts late in the game, showing off their physicality and ability to stand up in tackles.
The 2025 NAB AFLW season kicks off on Thursday, August 14. Tickets are on sale now.
FINAL SCORE
Essendon 7.4 (46) def. Collingwood 6.4 (40)
NOTABLE ABSENCES
Essendon: Brooke Brown, Brooke Walker, Sophie Van De Heuvel, Georgia Clarke
Collingwood: Ash Centra, Brianna Davey, Mattea Breed, Jordyn Allen, Nell Morris-Dalton