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Molloy stars in Magpies' AFLW rout

3 minute read

Super versatile Chloe Molloy has proven the match-winner for Collingwood in their 32-point AFLW thumping of the Western Bulldogs.

Victory Keeper BRIANNA DAVEY signals to her teammates during the W-League match between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex in Melbourne, Australia.
Victory Keeper BRIANNA DAVEY signals to her teammates during the W-League match between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Chloe Molloy has put on a show as Collingwood gave their AFLW finals hopes a boost with a comfortable 32-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Molloy, a regular star in defence, provided a spark in attack with two first-quarter goals and played a leading hand as the Magpies posted an 8.5 (53) to 3.3 (21) victory in Morwell on Sunday.

The 21-year-old finished with 3.2 from 12 disposals and hauled in several impressive marks.

Only some wayward kicking at goal prevented Molloy - the 2018 Rising Star winner, who missed all of last season with a foot injury - from having an even bigger impact.

Ball magnet Jaimee Lambert (24 disposals), Bri Davey (30) and Sarah Rowe (20) were also important contributors for the Magpies.

"We knew today was an important game for us to get on top and I think we came out with a bit of a hunger in our bellies to show that," Davey told Fox Footy after an outstanding individual display that included 10 tackles and eight clearances.

"Hopefully we just take that going forward with confidence.

"(Molloy) had a ripper today and we will definitely get around her.

"For her it was definitely about getting her hands on the ball early and that's what she did, (but) it was a really great team effort."

Molloy was everywhere early and kicked the first goal without a right boot after losing it in the process of evading an opponent.

The opener was one of four unanswered goals for Collingwood in the first half as their on-ball division, led by Davey and ruck Sharni Layton, got on top.

A scare went through the Magpies' camp during the second quarter when Lambert suffered a head knock and went off for assessment.

The AFLW best-and-fairest fancy returned soon after and played a big role.

The Bulldogs, who couldn't find the major opening in the first half, gave themselves a sniff early in the third quarter when Kristen McLeod's pressure work in the forward pocket forced a turnover and led to a Kristy Lamb goal.

But two quick Collingwood goals in reply from Sophie Alexander killed off the challenge.

Isabel Huntington was strong in defence all day for the Bulldogs and took a series of relieving marks, while Kirsty Lamb (15 disposals) and Ellie Blackburn (17) worked hard.

The speedy McLeod was dangerous in attack and finished with two goals.

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