ALL-AUSTRALIAN defender Ruby Schleicher spent close to a full game in the midfield as Collingwood and North Melbourne played four quarters of match simulation on Wednesday night.

With each term lasting around 20 minutes, the Roos triumphed 4.5 (29) to 2.6 (18) in windy conditions at Collingwood's home base of the AIA Centre.

Both sides took the opportunity to try out new combinations, with the one official practice match round to be played next week, and round one of the NAB AFLW competition to kick off on August 25.

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Collingwood recruit Liv Barber played long ruck minutes in the absence of Alison Downie, with Sabrina Frederick providing a chop-out when required.

In Schleicher's absence in defence – driven by the need to cover for ACL duo Bri Davey and Brit Bonnici in the middle – former Blues winger Lauren Brazzale featured, as did ex-Tiger Sarah Sansonetti, while Chloe Molloy also played noticeable midfield minutes.

Jordyn Allen and Lauren Butler were two of the Pies' stronger performers in defence, while Jaimee Lambert found a stack of the footy.

Jas Garner booted two goals for North Melbourne, with Ellie Gavalas and Ash Riddell also kicking majors. Riddell and Jenna Bruton provided plenty of drive through the middle.

Emma Kearney looks set to continue her stint at half-back in season seven, and was also involved in a scuffle with Molloy at one point.

Molloy and Imogen Barnett were the Pies' two goalkickers.

The Roos unveiled a very young forward line with Tahlia Randall and Sophie Abbatangelo not taking to the field, with mature-age draftee Sophia McCarthy showing nice signs in the air and at ground level while playing out of full-forward. 

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Ruck/key forward draftee Grace Matser also had a run in attack alongside McCarthy, Emma King and fellow newbie Charli Granville, with Tess Craven finding plenty of the footy across half-forward and into the middle.

Taylah Gatt had a few nice moments on the wing, with Nicole Bresnehan, Bella Eddey and Amy Smith playing long minutes in the absence of the departed Kaitlyn Ashmore (Hawthorn).

Pies draftees Charlotte Taylor and Charlotte Blair both got some time on field, as did former WBBL cricketer Emily Smith, who was playing in defence.

North's Irish recruit Erika O'Shea also took to the field in a backline role, with countrywoman Vikki Wall set to touch down in Melbourne on Saturday after taking part in Meath's All-Ireland (Grand Final) victory.

Kangaroos key back Brooke Brown had plenty of good moments, while young midfielder Perri King also had a brief stint in defence.