Sparks fly as hot Dogs control Pies

COLLINGWOOD’S AFLW season is all but over after the Western Bulldogs prevailed by eight points in a fiery clash in the Victorian town of Moe.

The Magpies threatened a late comeback yesterday but couldn’t stop the ladder-leading Bulldogs from claiming a 7.7 (49) to 6.5 (41) victory at Ted Summerton Reserve.

The result takes the Dogs four points clear of secondplaced Brisbane and leaves Collingwood anchored to the bottom of the ladder with two rounds remaining.

Both sides will be sweating on today’s match review findings. Magpies skipper Steph Chiocci was reported in the opening minutes for a head-high bump on Libby Birch that left the Dogs youngster dazed. Birch returned with her head strapped and was later reported herself for making head-high contact to Collingwood’s Moana Hope.

Match review officer Michael Christian is also likely to scrutinise a fierce exchange between the Bulldogs’ Emma Kearney and Collingwood’s Brittany Bonnici. Bonnici, who shadowed Kearney throughout the match, sent the star midfielder crashing into a television broadcast crew’s plastic chairs with a rough tackle in the second quarter.

Kearney was awarded a 50m penalty but not before retaliating against Bonnici.

Bonnici’s tagging role proved to be largely fruitless with the prolific Kearney still making plenty of impact.

The Bulldogs had 22 inside50s to Collingwood’s four in a dominant first half marred only by their inaccuracy in front of goal. Collingwood fought back during a stronger second half and threatened a comeback with late goals to Chloe Molloy and Christina Benardi.