After a closely fought first half, the Pies flexed their muscles to run away with a 30 point win over Sydney on Saturday. A destructive second half blitz of 43 points to one set the Collingwood girls up for a strong performance leading into round one of season seven. 

We put together a little bit of a summary of the best performances from the day.

Sheridan into the midfield

Aishling Sheridan was one of Collingwood's most impressive performers against the Swans. Moved in to the midfield late last year with the injuries to Bonnici and Davey, Sheridan looks to be continuing that role in their absence. 

Her power and drive was most notable and a real strength to her game. Additionally, she looks to have improved her running ability since last season, covering the ground quite well. She took multiple intercept marks in defence while also being integral in the Pies attacking ball movement. 

Now into her fourth season of AFLW, the team will rely on her experience in the midfield. 

Molloy in for a big season

Despite being just 23 years old, Moy is one of the most experienced players on our list having played 35 games.

Her talents have been utilised across different positions throughout her career so far, but it looks like this year she's been put in a position to be the most dangerous player on the ground. She played as an attacking midfielder during the game against the Swans on Saturday. 

She started the game brilliantly, earning a free kick to win the first clearance. Her skill with ball in hand makes her one of the most natural looking athletes out there.  If she can add true midfield prowess to her well-known nous for goal then she'll be a real head ache for opposition. 

She looks fit, happy and ready for a big season 7.

Rucks on fire

The ruck combo of new recruit Olivia Barber and Sabrina Frederick was on fire on Saturday.

In her second season for the Pies, Sabrina Frederick looks set to play a major role in the success of the Pies for season 7. She did a bit of everything against the Swans, with a lot of ruck time balanced out with some time up forward. 

Her ability to cover the ground and impact in all areas was particularly impressive. She took some really important marks intercepting in defence, while also acting as a great beacon up forward when required.

Olivia Barber has spent just a couple of months at Collingwood, but looked right at home in the black and white. Two huge goals in the second quarter really set the Pies up during that period. She impressed with her leap for the footy and showed some class in front of goal. A beautiful snap from the boundary had the whole team up and about. 

Keep your eye on the back line

There are some names in that Collingwood backline you're going to want to remember. Lauren Butler, Jordyn Allen and new recruit Sarah Sansonetti were brilliant for the Pies. Supported by experienced players in Stacey Livingston and Sophie Casey, the backline looked confident and strong in their ability to withstand Sydney's pressure. 

Forward line functioning well

Collingwood put on an impressive attacking performance against the Swans, kicking eight goals. 

The pressure was on from the get go, with Eliza James showing what she's capable of at ground level. Her second goal was awesome, an outstanding snap from stoppage in the third quarter. She's looking to build on an impressive first season in 2022.

James is able to impact thanks to the strong work from Imogen Barnett in the air. Barnett slotted a goal of her own early, but was instrumental in bringing the small forwards into the game by bringing the ball to ground. 

Abbi Moloney was the other dominant forward on Saturday. Her second half was electric, showing some real development over the off season. Her pressure and tackling was rewarded with two goals. 

Tarni Brown on show

We had to save a special spot for Tarni Brown. Unfortunately there were no individual stats available for Saturday's match, but undoubtedly she would've topped the game for disposals. 

Brown was huge in and around the contest, and provided the Pies with great spread and speed. 

Against the Swans Tarni really showed how much she has grown as a player since arriving at the Pies. 

Goals: 

Barber 2, James 2, Moloney 2, Barnett, Brazzale

Full time score

Collingwood 56

Sydney 26