The Casey Demons have kicked off their 2025 VFLW campaign with a hard-fought battle at home, going down to a strong Collingwood outfit by 28 points, 3.1 (19) to 7.5 (47).

It was a slow start for the Demons, who were goalless in the opening quarter as the Pies controlled early possession. Despite the challenging start, the Dees responded in the second quarter with goals from Georgia Gall and Tegan Williams, cutting into the Pies lead and showing signs of good momentum heading into the second half.

The third quarter saw the Pies take advantage of the wind and kick three goals to strengthen their lead. The Dees continue to maintain high pressure around the contest but struggled to find scoring opportunities.

In the final quarter, the Dees added their third and final goal through Alice Robinson but Collingwood’s ability to capitalise on key moments proved the difference as they extended their lead late.

Ryleigh Wotherspoon led the way with 16 disposals and a standout defensive performance that included 13 tackles. Megan Fitzsimon was Casey’s top ball-winner with 18 disposals, while Tylah Burn, Maggie Mahony, Ella Morris, and Saraid Taylor each contributed 11 disposals apiece.

While not the result the Dees were after, the opening-round contest showed glimpses of the group’s potential and all the hard-work they've put in throughout pre-season. The Dees will look to build on their second-half effort as they turn their attention to Round 2.

CASEY                              0.0       2.0       2.0        3.1 (19)
COLLINGWOOD              2.1       3.1       6.5        7.5 (47)

GOALS
Casey: Gall, Robinson, Williams
Collingwood: Hunt (3), Jones (2), Gladman, Henry

DISPOSALS
Casey: Fitzsimon (18), Wotherspoon (16), Burn (11), Mahony (11), Morris (11), Taylor (11)
Collingwood: Sanger (23), Carbone (22), Eastman (19), Muir (19), Sziigeti (16), Gladman (12)