Collingwood has gone down to the Western Bulldogs by 12-points in Saturday’s semi final at Adcon Stadium.

The Dogs will now progress through to the grand final while the Pies have one final chance to make it as they head into the preliminary final next weekend.

Troubled again by wind and rain, the Pies looked rushed and unsteady at times.

While there were periods of impressive play and good ball movement, the minor premiers struggled to get the game on its terms.

But the Pies’ biggest issue was in front of goal.

Booting two majors late in the fourth, the Dogs went on to claim the win, 4.2 (26) to 1.8 (14).

 

Magpie midfielder and vice-captain, Caitlin Bunker acknowledged the loss was a tough pill to swallow but remained positive ahead of next week’s opportunity.

“It’s obviously a huge disappointment for us, we wanted to get straight through to the grand final,” Bunker told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“The big thing about our group is we have the talent, skills and connection with each other to know we can get it done next week.”

Bulldog, Brooke Lochland kicked the first goal of the day while the Pies were kept goalless in the opener.

Chloe Molloy was the Pies’ only goal kicker for the game, taking a huge grab inside 50 before slotting through the major early in the second quarter.

Lochland claimed another early in the third to level the scores heading into the final term.

Goals from Sophie Molan and Nicole Mcmahon late in the fourth were key to the Dogs’ victory.

The Pies will now wait for the result of Sunday’s second semi final, meeting the winner of the Southern Saints and Melbourne Uni in next week’s preliminary final.

“It’s just about believing it and getting the job done next week,” Bunker said.

 

Collingwood           0.4     1.6     1.8   1.8  (14)
Western Bulldogs  1.0     1.0     2.2   4.2  (26)

Goals - Collingwood: Molloy.
Western Bulldogs:  Lochard 2, Molan, Mcmahon.

Best - Collingwood: B. Bonnici, J. Lambert, G. Buchan, S. Casey, C. Molloy, S. Layton
Western Bulldogs: N. Ferres, N. McMahon, A. Guest, K. McLeod, M. Sandral, K. Lamb