Collingwood has claimed a hard-fought four-point victory over West Coast in the Eagles' first official AFLW practice match of the pre-season, holding off a late challenge to prevail 8.4 (52) to 6.12 (48) at Mineral Resources Park on Friday afternoon.
Played in perfect sunny conditions, both sides entered the contest looking for their first genuine hit-out ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW season after two weeks of match simulation training.
The Eagles started brightly, bringing strong pressure from the opening bounce and were rewarded through young gun Ella Roberts, who slotted the first goal of the afternoon to give West Coast the ideal start.
Defensively, the Eagles were well organised early, but Collingwood responded through Imogen Barnett before Eliza James capitalised on a turnover to put the Magpies in front.
West Coast continued to create opportunities going forward late in the term but couldn't convert on the scoreboard as Collingwood carried a narrow three-point lead into the first break.
The Magpies extended their advantage at the start of the second quarter when Ash Centra produced a strong mark and finish from a well-worked passage initiated by captain Ruby Schleicher.
West Coast quickly steadied through Jaide Britton, before Abby Bushby burst through traffic and kicked a superb running goal to put the Eagles back in front.
The lead continued to change hands throughout an entertaining second term, with James booting her second major for Collingwood before Amy Franklin responded with a timely goal to restore West Coast's advantage.
Collingwood managed one more major before half-time, but the Eagles took a slender lead into the main break after an entertaining opening half.
The third quarter belonged largely to West Coast as the home side began to gain control around the contest.
Despite sustained pressure from Collingwood early in the term, the Eagles gradually found space and territory before Lauren Wakfer converted after a strong mark from a long Kellie Gibson delivery.
Moments later, draftee Jovie Skewes-Clinton showcased her class with a composed finish following a superb play from Emma Swanson.
The back-to-back goals pushed the Eagles' lead out to 19-points before Schleicher responded for the visitors. West Coast enjoyed plenty of possession through the quarter and took a 13-point advantage into the final change.
Collingwood produced a spirited final-term fightback, Centra reducing the margin early before Mattea Breed's hurried snap bounced through to bring the Magpies within a point with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Schleicher then struck again moments later to put Collingwood back in front for the first time since the second term.
The Eagles continued to press and created opportunities to regain the lead, but the Magpies held firm in the closing stages to claim the narrow victory.
Roberts was outstanding for West Coast and had her talent on full display, finishing with a game-high 32 disposals and a goal. Britton was influential through the midfield with 26 disposals, while Bushby continued her strong form with 22 touches and a goal.
Zoe Wakfer impressed in defence, working tirelessly across half-back to collect 19 disposals and six marks in a composed performance.
For Collingwood, Tarni White was excellent in defence with 22 disposals, while Schleicher led from the front with 22 touches and two goals. Carly Remmos also made her presence felt around the contest, finishing with a game-high nine tackles.
The Eagles will be wrapping up preparations against cross-town rivals Fremantle at Cockburn ARC Oval on Sunday, August 2 ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.
WEST COAST: 1.4, 4.8, 6.10, 6.12 (48)
COLLINGWOOD: 2.1, 4.1, 5.2, 8.4 (52)
GOALS
West Coast: Roberts, Britton, Bushby, Franklin, L. Wakfer, Skewes-Clinton.
Collingwood: James (2), Schleicher (2), Centra (2), Barnett, Breed.
BEST
West Coast: Roberts, Britton, Bushby, Z. Wakfer.
Collingwood: White, Schleicher, Remmos, James.
