Greater Western Sydney have kept their AFLW finals hopes alive with a thrilling 13-point win over Collingwood at Olympic Park.
The Magpies led by five points early in the last quarter, but couldn’t withstand a late blitz by the Giants, who recorded a 7.6 (48) to 5.5 (35) victory in front of 3600 fans on Sunday.
Winless Collingwood have slumped to the bottom of the ladder and are all but out of contention for the grand final.
Former Magpie Alicia Eva was outstanding against her old side with 23 possessions in the Giants’ first win of the season, while Aimee Schmidt, Courtney Gum and Phoebe McWilliams each booted two goals.
The Pies led by 14 points at the first break, thanks to goals from Brittany Bonnici and skipper Steph Chiocci, but the Giants found their rhythm in the second term.
The visitors peppered the goals without capitalising until Schmidt bobbed up with two goals in as many minutes to give her side a two-point lead at halftime.
After a quiet start, recalled Collingwood forward Moana Hope imposed herself on the contest. setting up a goal to Jess Duffin then slotting a stunning effort of her own from deep in the pocket.
The home side led by five points as the final term got underway but GWS quickly put themselves in the driver’s seat after Gum opened with back-to-back goals.
Hope added her second after a contentious 50m penalty but the Giants finished the stronger side, with McWilliams converting a free kick to seal the win.