COLLINGWOOD'S AFLW program can finally see some "light at the end of the tunnel" after dwelling in the doldrums for several seasons.

The Pies put up a valiant fight against finals hopeful Hawthorn in round three, despite losing the game by 28 points.

But Collingwood vice-captain Jordyn Allen believes the performance - in which the Pies won several key metrics - was a sign of growth for the young and inexperienced group.

The Pies won the inside 50 count (+17), as well as clearances (+3) and contested possessions (+3), against a Hawthorn outfit that hopes to challenge for the premiership this season.

"We were quite happy with how we went, I know the scoreboard probably doesn't reflect it," Allen told AFL.com.au's Tagged this week.

"It's not often that you win (those stats) and still lose the game."

Co-host and Richmond veteran Sarah Hosking thought the Pies showed some "promising signs" given the scrutiny the group has been under in recent times.

"We certainly have. Yesterday, scoreboard aside, I think it's a really positive look," Allen continued.

"We walked off thinking there was a lot of growth and that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Hawthorn veteran Kaitlyn Ashmore was full of praise for Allen's Pies after a "fiery" encounter.

"It was a really hard game against the Pies … they were moving the ball so well, it was actually really hard to stop. The spread from D50 to forward 50 was really scary," Ashmore said.

Despite the improved performance, things don't get any easier for the Pies this week, with a clash against the red-hot 3-0 Carlton looming.