THE BRISBANE Lions registered their third straight win in the NAB AFL Women’s competition, condemning Collingwood to its third consecutive loss in the process.

In front of a packed house at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon, the Lions led for the entire game, in the end emerging 4.3 (27) to 3.5 (23) winners.

The Pies surged in the third quarter to get within four points, but it was the inspiring effort of Kate McCarthy (two goals) which buoyed the Lions.

Supported by skipper Emma Zielke and Kaitlyn Ashmore in the middle, McCarthy was given plenty of opportunity to show why she is one of the most explosive inside midfielders in the competition.

Collingwood looked a different team in the second half, and had a chance to take the lead from a Moana Hope set shot late in the fourth but ultimately fell short.

The win puts the undefeated Lions at the top of the AFL Women’s ladder, while the Pies are anchored to the bottom after Fremantle and GWS earned their first competition points in a draw earlier in the day.

The Lions will slip to second on percentage behind either the Crows or Carlton when the two other unbeaten sides meet to finish off round three on Sunday.

Did you see that?
Kate McCarthy, take a bow. The 23-year-old may have just scored the goal of the competition. After being fed the ball inside the centre square, the ex-Queensland sprint champion put the jets on, outrunning teammates and opposition alike. She took five bounces in her blistering run, travelling over half the field on a one-way trip to the goal square. Do yourself a favour and watch it here.

The difference
While Collingwood led most of the statistical measures, it was the key moments where the Lions stepped up and made the most of their opportunities. On two occasions, lightning quick turnovers in their back half allowed for Lions midfielders McCarthy and Ashmore to provide run and carry which both resulted in goals.

From the winners' rooms
After belting out the team song for the third consecutive week, the Lions are full of confidence going into next week’s game against the Giants.

The ladder now
The Lions sit on top for now, but the winner of the Carlton and Adelaide clash on Sunday will displace them. GWS and Fremantle’s drawn match means the luckless Pies are now the sole team at the bottom.

Say what?
“I think we were probably lucky, but full credit and we’re very proud of them to hang in there and be able to compete to the end.”
- Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich

“As a coach I’m really proud of the group. Across the board everything was really positive, just not the result on the scoreboard at the end of the game."
- Collingwood coach Wayne Siekman

What’s next?
The Lions have another home match on Saturday against the Giants at South Pine Sports Complex from 3:35pm (AEST). Collingwood heads to Whitten Oval on Saturday night to take on the Western Bulldogs from 7:10pm (AEDT).

The Lions belt out their team song for the third successive game. Picture: AFL Photos

BRISBANE LIONS                1.2     2.2     3.2      4.3      (27)                  
COLLINGWOOD                  0.0     0.4     2.4     3.5     (23)           

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: McCarthy 2, Frederick-Traub, Zielke
Collingwood: Cameron, Chiocci, D’Arcy

BEST 
Brisbane Lions: Zielke, McCarthy, Frederick-Traub, Bates, Gibson, Virgo
Collingwood: D’Arcy, Tesoriero, Stevens, Chiocci, Hutchins

INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Nil
Collingwood: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Strybos, Sommerville, Valenti

Estimated crowd: 5,500 at South Pine Sports Complex