Essendon were outlasted by Collingwood in their VFLW second semi-final at Victoria Park on Saturday, going down by four points.
The Bombers looked slick in several passages throughout a tough and physical contest, but found themselves unable to crack a strong Pies defence on their home deck.
The two sides traded scoreboard blows throughout, with Collingwood’s decisive goal coming at the eight-minute mark of the final term.
Despite gaining the territory advantage in a tense final 10 minutes, the Dons were ultimately beaten by the clock as they pressed for a last-ditch attacking effort.
Mia-Rae Clifford was a strong presence for the Dons going forward, booting their two majors on the day.
Courtney Ugle provided a safe pair of hands across half-back, also generating important dash as the Dons looked to surge home in the dying minutes.
Jaimee-Lee Morrow produced her best game of the season in the ruck, tallying six clearances to go along with her 30 hit-outs.
The Bombers are equipped with a second chance after the loss and will face Port Melbourne this weekend for a coveted spot in the grand final.
COLLINGWOODÂ Â Â 0.1Â 2.3Â Â 2.4Â Â 3.4Â (22)Â
ESSENDONÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1.3Â Â 1.3Â Â 2.4Â Â 2.6Â (18)
Goals: Clifford 2
Best: Morrow, Ryan, Chaston, Ugle, Dicker, Sutton
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Image:Â Nigel Barrie Photography.
