Collingwood delivered one of the upsets of the AFLW season by dismantling previously unbeaten Sydney in a stunning 26-point triumph at Victoria Park. The Magpies, who finished with last year’s wooden spoon, turned the script on its head with a disciplined, ground-focused game plan that blunted Sydney’s aerial power and set the stage for their best win under Sam Wright.
The final scoreline read 6.7 (43) to 2.5 (17), but the gap felt even wider given the Magpies’ dominance across the contest. For Sydney, the match brought their first loss of 2025 and their first goalless half since round six last year.
Pies Find a Winning Formula
Collingwood’s approach was built around relentless chains of handballs, keeping the ball out of the air to deny Sydney their trademark contested marking dominance. The Swans came into the game ranked second in the competition for contested marks, but their usual strength was nullified as Collingwood dictated the tempo.
Grace Campbell’s early decision to play on and get caught holding the ball summed up Collingwood’s intent: move fast, embrace risk, and create chaos. The Magpies didn’t waver, and moments later Kalinda Howarth kicked the opening goal from a flowing chain of possessions.
That set the tone. Sydney’s much-vaunted forward line, which piled on 15 goals in round two, was held scoreless in the opening quarter and blanked entirely for the first half. Former Magpie Chloe Molloy came closest with a snap on the half-time siren, but the kick cannoned into the behind post.
Stars Shine in Black and White
Brit Bonnici was the architect of Collingwood’s midfield ascendancy, gathering 30 disposals and laying eight tackles to keep the Swans under constant pressure. Elevated to the AFLW list at the eleventh hour, Lily-Rose Williamson delivered a career-best performance with 25 disposals and five marks, rewarding the Magpies’ faith in her after stepping in for the injured Mattea Breed.
Up forward, Howarth continued her steady return from an ACL injury with her most promising outing yet, while Ash Centra underlined her reputation as one of the best young talents in the competition. Centra finished with 16 disposals and two goals, outshining fellow draftee Zippy Fish in a battle that highlighted the AFLW’s rising generation.
Sydney’s Late Push Falls Short
Sam Wright’s side entered the final quarter with a commanding 32-point buffer. Desperate for a spark, Sydney swung Molloy into the midfield, and she immediately made an impact with a goal and an assist. But the Swans’ surge came too late, the Magpies’ lead too great to overcome.
In the end, Collingwood’s superior work rate and handball-heavy strategy proved decisive. They finished with 131 handballs to Sydney’s 84, ensuring possession stayed under their control and aerial contests were avoided. For the Swans, it was a sobering reminder that even the best attacking sides can be exposed when denied their preferred style of play.
Carlton Makes History with Commanding Win
While Collingwood made headlines in Melbourne, Carlton was busy writing their own chapter of history. The Blues registered the third-biggest win in their AFLW history, dispatching Gold Coast by 46 points in a 10.11 (71) to 4.1 (25) demolition at IKON Park.
Coach Matthew Buck’s high-pressure, short-kick brand of football was on full display as his team overwhelmed the Suns in the second half. Rising Star nominee Sophie McKay starred again, kicking three goals, while Dayna Finn’s running game and Harriet Cordner’s defensive brilliance shut down the visitors.
Carlton’s dominance wasn’t reflected in the first-half scoreboard as they led by just a point at the main break. But once the Blues found their efficiency inside 50, they piled on seven goals after halftime to surge clear.
Charlie Rowbottom returned for Gold Coast with 29 disposals, and Claudia Whitfort alongside Lucy Single fought hard, but they could do little to halt Carlton’s outside spread.
Milestones also played a role in the afternoon. Tara Bohanna’s second-quarter snap brought up her 50th AFLW goal against her old side, while Brooke Vickers made her long-awaited return to the Blues after 670 days. New faces also emerged, with Aisling Reidy debuting for Carlton and Tara Harrington for the Suns.
Protein Pancakes and Baby Celebrations
Beyond the football, lighter moments stole headlines. Finn’s hot form may owe something to an unusual fuel source, with Sarah Hosking revealing that the Irish midfielder took home half the team’s protein pancake batch earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, Lila Keck celebrated her second AFLW goal with a tribute to former captain Kerryn Peterson, mimicking a baby celebration in honour of Peterson’s newborn son Max.
For the Suns, Lucy Single continued her impressive run as captain, racking up 22 disposals and eight tackles. Her leadership has been a rare bright spot in what was otherwise a tough afternoon.
Port Adelaide Ends Melbourne’s Perfect Start
In Alberton, Port Adelaide added to the drama of the round with a thrilling two-point victory over Melbourne, ending the Demons’ unbeaten start to 2025.
The Power burst out of the blocks with goals to Ella Boag, Gemma Houghton, and Indy Tahau, before their backline stood tall to keep Melbourne goalless for more than a quarter. Despite Kate Hore’s efforts, the Dees couldn’t overcome Port’s suffocating pressure and ruthless forward efficiency.
Indy Tahau was the star of the show, thriving in her new forward role with a career-high three goals, including a composed finish from a tight pocket.
Melbourne controlled many of the key statistics but failed to convert, scoring from just 29 percent of inside 50s compared to Port’s 53 percent. Goals to Hore and Tayla Harris set up a nail-biting finish, but the Power held strong to claim their second win of the campaign.
The Round That Shook the AFLW
Between Collingwood’s upset of Sydney, Carlton’s history-making win, and Port Adelaide’s giant-killing act, round five of the AFLW season will be remembered as one of the most dramatic of 2025 so far.
The Magpies showed resilience and tactical brilliance, the Blues demonstrated attacking flair, and the Power reminded everyone that effort and accuracy can overcome star power. For Sydney and Melbourne, it was a rare reminder that momentum can shift in an instant.
