COLLINGWOOD has released the pressure valve, breaking through for its first win of 2026 with victory over Greater Western Sydney on a tough day at Victoria Park.

Up against windy conditions and crying out for someone to get dangerous in the front half, it was Ash Centra and Brianna Davey who stood up late in the piece to secure the 4.10 (34) to 3.7 (25) win on Sunday afternoon.

MAGPIES v GIANTS Full match coverage and stats

Davey, on return from illness that kept her out last week, kicked the sealer following a full day in attack for the Pies.

On a day where neither side could make the most of its time up forward, late territory control in which the Pies peppered at goal was ultimately the difference, handing them their first win of the season.

Tarni Evans (11 disposals, two goals) had a funny old day up forward for the Giants, fighting it out with Ariana Hetherington for the duration. Every seemingly regulation shot on goal she took was ultimately inaccurate, but her low percentage chances slid through to the surprise of everyone – including herself.

There was a sloppiness around each side's skill execution – more significant than could be blamed on the windy conditions – and it stymied the attacking transition both were attempting to execute.

A system that required the use of handball out of contest in an attempt to find space was clear from the visitors, but a combination of the Pies' pressure and that poor execution made it largely ineffective.

Amid slewing kicks and missed handballs, Ash Centra (18 disposals, six marks, one goal) remained classy, despite battling for much of the game with a bloody nose and different tapings to keep her on the field.

The highlight for the former No.1 pick came early in the final quarter. Winning a free kick at the top of the 50m arc, she went back for the set shot and despite numbers on the goal line, it was allowed to slide through for a goal, much to the chagrin of the Giants' defenders.

The desire to manufacture a spare behind the ball for extended periods also didn't help when it came to scoring – Georgia Garnett the option for the Giants, and Jordyn Allen for the Pies. Collingwood was especially guilty of allowing the spare to influence matters, remaining too Ruby Schleicher-centric when going inside 50, so Garnett just needed to turn that match-up into a two-on-one and was able to impact almost every time.

Collingwood lived in its attacking half for much of the game, but the attacking spread it showed off last week took time to emerge.

After an effective role on Georgie Prespakis for three quarters last week, Brit Bonnici spent much of the game going head-to-head with Alyce Parker around the contest. While Grace Kos did what she could to disrupt Bonnici at stoppage set up, the Pie continued working toward Parker at every opportunity.

Ultimately, Parker won the match-up, finishing the game with 23 disposals, eight tackles and proving to be the Giants' power from the contest, supported well by captain Bec Beeson (25 disposals, 377 metres gained). But Bonnici (16 disposals, four inside 50s) did win her own ball to be attacking for the Pies.

Boltz down
One of two big recruits for Greater Western Sydney over the off-season, Poppy Boltz has slotted into the backline nicely to start the year. But that form hit a snag early in the clash with Collingwood, as Boltz was working to repel another Pies entry, she was tackled by Ruby Schleicher and her right leg got caught awkwardly as she was brought down. It took some time for the premiership Lion to be helped from the field, and although she made an attempt to return to the field, the club ultimately pulled her from the game. Boltz emerged from the half-time break in a boot and on crutches, with the club to assess the full extent of the injury in the coming days.

Some Evans magic
After a quarter of shadow boxing and both sides largely breaking even, it was Tarni Evans who broke the stalemate, somewhat by accident. Landing the first forward entry for the second quarter, she dashed after a loose ball on the open side of the arc. Evans gathered, and used her agility to shake off a trailing Jemma Rigoni, ultimately turning toward goal and casually dropping ball to boot to put it to the top of the goalsquare. But no one else was necessary, as it slid through for an absolute beauty. In her celebrations, Evans looked as surprised as anyone that she landed her side's second major of the day.

Up next
Collingwood will complete its run of three consecutive games at its Victoria Park home on Sunday, hosting a smarting Melbourne outfit that will be keen to rebound from its first loss of the season, while Greater Western Sydney will head home to Henson Park to take on the winless Bombers on Saturday afternoon.

COLLINGWOOD                            1.1    1.5    2.6   4.10 (34)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY       1.2    2.3    3.7    3.7 (25)

GOALS 
Collingwood: Schleicher, Runnalls, Centra, Davey
Greater Western Sydney: Evans 2, Pauga

BEST 
Collingwood: Schleicher, Centra, White, Bonnici
Greater Western Sydney: Parker, Beeson, Evans, Lucas-Rodd

INJURIES 
Collingwood: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Boltz (right ankle)

Crowd: 1571 at Victoria Park