COLLINGWOOD has stunned Sydney to end the Swans’ unbeaten start to the season with a surprise 26-point win at Victoria Park on Saturday.

The Magpies controlled proceedings for long periods on their way to a 6.7 (43) to 2.5 (17) victory.

After an impressive 4-0 start to the season, the loss was the Swans’ first of 2025, while the Magpies improved to 2-3.

One of the competition’s best attacks this year, Sydney was held goalless until the final quarter.

Pies forward Kalinda Howarth starred, kicking three goals while gathering 15 disposals to go with three clearances.

Supporting Howarth, No.1 pick Ash Centra also impressed for the Pies with 18 touches and two majors.

AFLW Highlights: Collingwood v Sydney

The Magpies and Swans clash in round five of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season

It took the Swans until the final quarter to kick their first goal as gun pair Chloe Molloy and Montana Ham, the latter with a NAB AFLW Goal of the Year contender, delivered.

Magnificent Montana runs the field with dazzling GOTY contender

Montana Ham intercepts the footy and takes off with three give-and-go handballs before finishing beautifully in an incredible solo goal

The first half was dominated by the Magpies, who took control at the contest, thanks in large part to Brit Bonnici.

The midfielder had 20 of her 30 disposals in the first half, while finishing with three clearances and 469 metres gained.

Cool Centra has early say after quick Pies play

Ash Centra snaps her first major of the day after Collingwood gets out the back in a quick attack

Sydney was again led through the middle by Laura Gardiner (28 disposals and 10 tackles).

Collingwood midfielder Sarah Rowe impressed with her ball use, collecting 24 disposals, while Lily-Rose Williamson was influential with 25. Captain Ruby Schleicher rounded out the effort, finishing with 17 disposals and leading from the front in a much-needed win.

Ferocious Ruby: Tough Schleicher denies Swans chance

Ruby Schleicher is rewarded for a strong tackle in defence as Sydney remains goalless

Pies’ statement win
Collingwood entered the game on the back of two losses, but rebounded in style. From the first bounce, the Magpies were in control, and in the first half, their midfield played with a point to prove. Howarth was crucial and Centra played an important role in a win that could kickstart the Magpies’ season.

Swans left searching
For Sydney, this defeat serves as a wake-up call following an unbeaten start to the season. In the first half, the Swans lost momentum. Their midfield couldn’t generate the usual supply, and their forward line appeared flat until the third quarter. The Swans got going but left the run too late, finishing the game with 11 fewer clearances but 11 more inside 50s.

Up next
The Magpies will be aiming to back up their surprise win when they host Hawthorn at Victoria Park at 12.35pm AEST on Saturday, September 20. The Swans head into a derby clash against Greater Western Sydney on the Sunday, beginning at 1.05pm AEST at Henson Park.

COLLINGWOOD          2.1     5.1     5.5     6.7 (43)
SYDNEY                      0.0     0.3     0.3     2.5 (17)

GOALS
Collingwood: Howarth 3, Centra 2, Cann
Sydney: Molloy, Ham

BEST
Collingwood: Howarth, Centra, Bonnici, Rowe
Sydney: Ham, Molloy, Gardiner, Van Loon

INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Sydney: O’Sullivan (knee)

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Victoria Park