COLLINGWOOD has extended its winning streak against Carlton to four games, defeating its rival by 18 points in the AFLW season seven opener.

Going head-to-head at Ikon Park, the Pies controlled the game after quarter-time to ultimately win 5.6 (36) to 3.0 (18). 

Collingwood dominated territory, trapping the ball in its forward half by setting up expertly behind the play and intercepting everything that came out, ultimately winning the inside 50 count 36 to 18. Making life tough for Carlton's defence, the Pies' forward pressure was outstanding, particularly from Eliza James in game 11. 

05:12

AFLW S7 Highlights: Carlton v Collingwood

The Blues and Magpies clash in round 1 of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition

Typically good users of the ball, the Blues defenders were forced into poor choices and disposal. Under that pressure, Carlton lost concentration in its defensive 50, allowing the smart Pies forwards to get into space and lead for the ball.  

BLUES v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats

Jordyn Allen's attacking mindset out of Collingwood's defensive half was incredibly damaging, spreading hard, stepping her opponents repeatedly and delivering the ball forward, and also sneaking forward to hit the scoreboard herself. 

The opening quarter was an armwrestle, with debutant Mia Austin kicking Carlton's first before Jordan Membrey reciprocated for Collingwood in her return from an ACL. Membrey has now kicked 12 straight goals in her 19 games. After the first break, however, Collingwood controlled the flow of play, spreading hard and stretching their opponents. 

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Aero-Austin flies to nail first major of the season

Mia Austin takes a fantastic grab and kicks her first career goal

For the Blues, Lucy McEvoy's shock selection after a shoulder injury last month proved to be an important one. Playing in defence, McEvoy racked up 23 disposals, six tackles and 10 intercepts for the night. 

Debutants have an impact 
Carlton key forward Mia Austin made her mark early, taking a strong contested mark and going back to kick the opening goal of the game on her debut. But she wasn't the only player to step up in their first game, with Collingwood's Imogen Evans bringing the physicality around the ball, then pressing forward to also hit the scoreboard herself. 

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Evans slots career-first with cool crumbing finish

Imogen Evans kicks her maiden AFLW major in style

Moody changing the momentum 
Just as Carlton was begging for someone to step up and kick a goal, Breann Moody did just that. From a stoppage at the top of the Blues' goalsquare, Moody shoved opposing ruck Alison Downie out of the way, snatched the ball out of the air and drilled her side's third goal of the evening. Going back to the centre stoppage, she slammed the ball forward to gain ground, and followed up with another strong contested mark. 

Up next
Both Carlton and Collingwood will take on new sides next week, with the Blues set to face Essendon at ETU Stadium, and the Pies hosting Sydney at Victoria Park.

CARLTON                   2.0     2.0     3.0    3.0  (18)
COLLINGWOOD         2.0     4.2     5.4    5.6  (36)

GOALS
Carlton: Austin, Vescio, Moody
Collingwood: Membrey, Chaston, Evans, Brown, Allen

BEST 
Carlton: Hill, McEvoy, Moody, McKay
Collingwood: Evans, James, Schleicher, Allen

INJURIES 
Carlton: Hill (corked quad)
Collingwood: Lambert (left ankle), Moloney (head knock)

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 4,128 at Ikon Park