IN A repeat of last year's preliminary final, Brisbane and Collingwood will battle it out at the Gabba for a chance to advance through the finals series.
The Lions have had an unexpected bye week as the Pies battled a fresh bout of unavailable players due to health and safety protocols; a less than ideal preparation for the sixth-placed side.
Last time they met
Arguably one of the windiest games we've seen in the AFLW, Brisbane got the win in round five in Maroochydore thanks to its strength at ground level and relentless running game. The Lions won the inside 50 count 37-20, controlling the territory for long periods of time, and adapted to the conditions faster.
Gameplans
Collingwood has won - or really challenged - in recent games because of its willingness to spread and find space. It will be important for the Lions to be conscious not just of defending grass but being accountable to a direct opponent. Another key for Brisbane will be limiting the attack that Ruby Schleicher is able to create. Schleicher has been in particularly good form over the last three games, winning more of the ball and launching scoring chains, so assigning someone to simply sit on her for four quarters may be on the cards.
Head to head
These sides have played one another seven times, with the Lions ahead on the ledger 4-3. In 2021 they played off twice, and Brisbane enjoyed victory both times, but for a combined margin of seven points.
In those games, which included a preliminary final, Brianna Davey and Britt Bonnici led the Pies for disposals.
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Neither player will line up for them on Saturday, however, so Collingwood will need to really focus on an even spread of contributors through the middle and especially when transitioning forward.
Players to watch
Tahlia Hickie
In the ruck Hickie has been averaging 20.5 hitouts per game, but importantly also finding the ball around the ground, winning 3.3 intercepts and 9.1 disposals each week. She expertly gives her midfielders first use of the ball more often than not, which goes a long way toward the Lions' territory control in game.
Mikala Cann
Cann has taken her increasing midfield responsibility on with aplomb. Averaging a career-high 15.2 disposals a game this year, Cann's strength and class has been just what Collingwood has needed.
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Dream match-ups
Cathy Svarc v Jaimee Lambert
Lambert remains Collingwood's last elite ball-winning midfielder due to unfortunate ACL injuries keeping Davey and Bonnici out. If Svarc can slow Lambert's impact, Brisbane will be in the box seat to advance.
Orla O'Dwyer v Steph Chiocci
Too often this year, teams have allowed O'Dwyer to sit off the contest, get on the end of a quick handball and take off into attack. As one of the most experienced wingers in the competition, it will be important for Chiocci to remain aware of O'Dwyer's positioning and prevent her from playing the game on her terms.
Season so far
Brisbane
Brisbane is the only finals side that has had to miss a game due to health and safety protocols and contend with the condensed fixture. Despite interruptions, the Lions managed to break their club record for highest score twice, and briefly claimed the mantle of highest score in AFLW history. Importantly, they average 5.1 individual goalkickers a game - the most in the competition - which makes them a defensive unit's nightmare.
Collingwood
Collingwood has stuttered throughout the season, taking time to work through the loss of Brianna Davey, particularly in attack. They really struggled to get the ball forward for a number of weeks, but once they rediscovered a hard running game in round eight against the Western Bulldogs, their spread and ability to find space on the open side of the ground wreaked havoc on opposition defences.
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