The Southern Saints will make their VFLW finals debut when they take on back-to-back minor premiers, Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Peta Searle's women finished in eighth position in their inaugural season, but have responded in terrific fashion to earn themselves a much-deserved finals berth.
An agonising six-point loss to Richmond in the final round of the season saw the Saints slip to second position on the ladder, with Collingwood's victory over Hawthorn allowing them to secure a home final and the minor premiership.
It was nevertheless a terrific season for the red, white and black with an 11-3 ledger and a league-high percentage of 174.9.
Last time they met:
SOUTHERN SAINTS 0.2 2.7 3.8 5.13 (43)
COLLINGWOOD 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.2 (8)
The Southern Saints got their VFLW campaign underway with a dominant 34-point triumph over the Magpies at RSEA Park.
Key forward Caitlin Greiser began her campaign up forward with two goals in the 5.13 (43) to 1.2 (8) win, while Cat Phillips (18 disposals and Ali Drennan (26 disposlas, five tackles) starred through the midfield.
Defender Clara Fitzpatrick was pivotal through her intercept work and played a major role in keeping Collingwood to just the one goal.
What it means:
A win on Saturday will see the Southern Saints advance to the first semi final where they’d face the winner of the Western Bulldogs and Richmond elimination final.
Having secured the double chance, a loss would result in the girls moving to the second semi final, with either Melbourne Uni or Geelong their opponent.
The stat:
The Southern Saints and Collingwood were locked at the top of the ladder for 10 consecutive weeks, with red, white and black only bumping the Magpies out of pole position once.
The match-up:
It will be a battle of the two key forwards at Victoria Park, with the Southern Saints' Caitlin Greiser and Collingwood's Jaimee Lambert each pivotal in their side's successes.
Greiser was elevated to St Kilda's inaugural AFLW list early last week, with her 17 majors for the season placing her in third place for the VFLW goalkicking.
Lambert has been just as potent through her league-high 21 goals and has steered the Magpies to victory on several occasions.
It’s a big week for:
Peta Searle's finals experience will be crucial in this Saturday's qualifying final.
The veteran coach has had unbelievable finals experience as both a player and a coach, and will need to employ all her knowledge and skills if the Southern Saints are to secure a semi final berth.
Peta Searle has a wealth of experience and knowledge on her side.
Game Day Information
Game | Collingwood v St Kilda |
Date | Saturday 31 August |
Time | 12:00pm |
Location | Victoria Park |
GETTING THERE
Trains will be running to Victoria Park Railway Station all throughout the day. Visit PTV to work out what time you'll arrive at the ground.
Buses will also be running throughout the day, with the bus stop at Victoria Park/270 Johnston Street perfect to get you to the game on time. Visit PTV to work out what time you'll arrive at the ground.
BROADCAST
Listen to the game on Women’s Australian Rules Football Radio on RSN Carnival 2 and through the Official VFL/VFLW app.