COLLINGWOOD vice-captain Ruby Schleicher has revealed an unlikely driving force for her side this year – a screenshot of a horrible bounce of the footy.
Brisbane was victorious in last year's preliminary final, defeating Collingwood by four points, and the Pies lost a goal in devastating fashion when the ball bounced on the goal-line back into the field of play, and was cleared by the Lions' defence.
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"That was 'Rowey's' (Sarah Rowe) kick that didn't bounce over, and all year, her (phone) screensaver has been that ball sitting on the line before it bounces," Schleicher told Credit to the Girls podcast.
"We've had it pinned up inside our four walls, and it's such a driver for us, what are the one-percenters we can do to make that ball bounce over that line? It's something we've had driving us all year.
Sarah Rowe's phone wallpaper all year has been THAT bounce.
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) March 23, 2022
Collingwood star Ruby Schleicher explains why this weekend's final means so much to the Pies: https://t.co/nFXUvioYDz pic.twitter.com/L5i81ckcjN
"It's pretty cool that the final has turned out how it is – aside from the last week for us, we put that to the side – but the fact we're back at the Gabba, against Brissy and have that opportunity, there's something really sweet in that.
"And if that doesn't drive the girls, I don't know what will."
EPISODE GUIDE ...
0.43 – How have the Collingwood players pulled up from COVID?
1.28 – Schleicher takes us through a hectic 48 hours
4.00 – The possibility of top-up players
4.40 – Collingwood's home and away season
6.50 – Tinkering with the game plan
10.20 – Life without Bri Davey and Brit Bonnici
12.25 – Last time Brisbane and Collingwood met
14.03 – One cruel bounce
15.58 – The proposed August start for next season
