Port Melbourne VFLW has entered the bye round with a 1-4 record, following a 21-point loss to Collingwood on Saturday morning at Victoria Park.

Olivia Barton was strong for the Borough, ending the game with 21 disposals, five tackles and five marks. Sophie Locke continued her strong form in season 2022 with 18 disposals and seven tackles of her own, while Kaitlyn O’Keefe followed up from her best on ground performance in Round 4 with 17 disposals and five tackles.

The ever-reliable Lisa Davie had a team-high seven marks while Maddi Shaw embodied the Borough’s pressure with six tackles. Bridie Winbanks combined with Kate Dudley to amass a combined 39 hit-outs.

Collingwood’s inaccuracy kept Port Melbourne in the contest with both sides entering the quarter-time break goalless. 

The Pies struck first with Matilda Zander’s first goal coming early in the second quarter, and Port Melbourne’s issues were compounded by an injury to first-year player Chloe Locke.

The margin could have been wider still, if not for an Akayla Peterson goal, as well as a fantastic intercept mark on the goal line by Caley Ryan.

A Jess Joyce third-quarter goal, coupled with outstanding tackling pressure meant the Borough entered the final change with momentum and hope.

Despite Emily Harley’s unselfish play to facilitate a final-quarter Ingrid Houtsma goal, the Pies kicked three goals of their own to run out comfortable winners. 

Port Melbourne will be looking to rest up over the bye round and attack the second half of the season with vigour. 

Port Melbourne 3.3 (21) defeated by Collingwood 5.12 (42).