Deja vu as Pies count for Blues – again

Collingwood opened the AFLW season with a convincing 18-point victory over rivals Carlton in the floodlights at Ikon Park, adding to their victory over the Blues in the final round of the men’s competition on Sunday.

The Blues, who endured a tough offseason after losing superstar Madison Prespakis and Georgia Gee to Essendon, stuck with the more whimsical Magpies in the first quarter.

But the Collingwood stars came out on top after the quarter, putting the Blues through submission to win 5.6 (36) to 3.0 (18) in front of 4,128 fans on Thursday night.

The Magpies got scared early in the final quarter when star Jaimee Lambert fell clutching his left ankle.

Lambert initially looked devastated and in a lot of pain, but was able to lift off the ground in her 50th AFLW game.

The 29-year-old only returned to the ground a few minutes later, much to the relief of Magpies coach Steve Symonds.

Collingwood is already without superstar co-captain Bri Davey, who suffered a knee injury in the Magpies opener last season.

Blues youngster Daisy Walker has been assessed for a concussion after being on the end of a fierce tackle from Collingwood debutante Imogen Evans.

Walker appeared to hit the ground during the tackle and Evans is sure to face scrutiny from the match review officer.

Carlton has been best served by Mimi Hill, who looks set to take over from Prespakis as the Blues’ most prolific ball winner.

Despite playing the match with a huge bandage on her left thigh, Hill picked up 26 eliminations to be Carlton’s best.

All-Australian defender Ruby Schleicher made an immediate impact in her new role in midfield, netting 20 possessions for Collingwood.

The Magpies have five individual goal kickers, with Jordan Membery making a successful comeback from an ACL injury by scoring Collingwood’s first of the game.

Collingwood will host expansion side Sydney Swans in the second round, while the Blues take on fellow newcomer Essendon on September 4.

© AAP