Port Melbourne VFLW has seen a victory slip away with a tight nine-point loss to Collingwood on Saturday at ETU Stadium.
The Borough were defeated in the twilight clash 5.2 (32) to 6.5 (41).
Port Melbourne's Kate Adams played one of her finest games all year, finishing with 19 touches and ten tackles, while Lisa Davie had 16 disposals and five marks. Courteney Bromage continued her outstanding form, finding the ball 15 times and laying seven tackles.
Speedy winger Akayla Peterson ended her return game with 14 disposals and five tackles, while Nayely Borg played her best match since her concussion layoff with 13 touches and six tackles.
With the Borough's defensive unit without key defender Olivia Barton, the task of stopping Collingwood scoring seemed a difficult one. However, young gun Maddi Shaw complimented Lisa Davie perfectly and enjoyed 14 disposals and five tackles.
The Borough flew out of the gates, in part due to their domination of the contested ball. Lone ruck Kate Dudley had a game-high 32 hit-outs to provide silver service to her midfielders all afternoon.
A frenetic opening term paved the way for Alice Campbell’s second goal in as many weeks, as fellow young gun Keely James converted her first goal in VFLW footy. The Borough defence stood tall to allow Port to take a seven-point lead into the first change.
The Borough’s outstanding pressure continued in the second term, not allowing the Pies any of the footy. Beth Wilson found herself on her own at the top of the goal square to kick Port Melbourne towards a two-goal lead at the half-time break.
The Pies however, hit their strides in the third quarter, booting three-goals-to-one. Jorja Livingstone was rewarded for her strong start to the VFLW with her first goal, yet the Pies, through multiple goalscorer Sarah King, took a two-point margin into the final break.
Collingwood continued to up the ante in the final quarter, taking advantage of Port’s ill-discipline to skip away to a game-high 16-point lead.
Despite repeat inside 50s, the Borough could not convert on the scoreboard. Georgia Wilson kicked her first goal of VFLW footy in the last minute, however, it was mere consolation on an otherwise disappointing evening.
Port Melbourne has one more chance to end its 2022 campaign on a high next Saturday as it takes on the Darebin Falcons. The Borough’s final game of the season will take place at ETU Stadium, kicking off at 4.05pm.
Port Melbourne 5.2.32 def by Collingwood 6.5.41
