It was heartbreak for the Western Bulldogs as their AFLW season came to a dramatic end on Sunday.
Playing finals for the first time since they claimed the 2018 premiership, a second half comeback against Collingwood fell just short.
The Magpies were able to hold on against the determined Bulldogs, winning 5.10 (40)-5.5 (35) to progress through to the semi finals.
It was the Magpies that were the better side early, dominating the scoring shots and inside 50s, but weren’t able to convert.
They had seven scoring shots to none in the first quarter, but led by just 12 points at half time.
The Magpies managed to increase their lead in the second quarter and led by as much as 28 points early in the third quarter.
At that point the Bulldogs found another gear. Back-to-back goals from Gabby Newton and Sarah Hartwig gave the Bulldogs a sniff at three quarter time.
The Bulldogs trailed at the last break by 17 points.
Rocky Cranston kicked the first goal of the last quarter to reduce the margin to 12 points. The ball continued to go end to end as both teams went hunting for another goal.
It was ball magnet Kirsty Lamb managed to kick truly with 2.45 left on the clock to bring the margin back within goal.
The Magpies defence held strong as they did enough to hold on for the win. The Magpies now face Adelaide in the next round of finals.
Defender Katie Lynch was a standout for the Bulldogs in the loss, with 20 disposals, six marks and five tackles.
Captain Ellie Blackburn was again a standout, while Isabelle Pritchard had a strong game on the wing.
The game also marked the 50th AFLW game for premiership player Naomi Ferres. Ferres, who grew up in the western suburbs, is just the third player at the club to reach that milestone.
