The Magpies’ 2023 season may not have gone to plan, but there were plenty of highlights in their final season at the top level.
From narrow losses to disrupting wins, the Pies never quite had it their way, but well and truly came out the other side with lots to be proud of.
With four wins and 10 losses in 2023, the Pies only finished with the wooden spoon due to percentage – just 1.02 percent, in fact, behind the GIANTS.
While the Magpies got back to their best selves in an impressive final run to close out their final season, it was not the way the club would have wanted to close out its time on the Suncorp Super Netball stage.
BEST WIN
Collingwood’s best could beat anyone on their day, with no shortage of impressive moments in each of their 14 matches.
Of the team’s four wins, three of those came against top teams – Round 1 against the NSW Swifts, Round 12 against the eventual premiers, Adelaide Thunderbirds, and Round 14 against the 2022 premiers, West Coast Fever.
They went down by one goal in dramatic fashion to the Melbourne Vixens, in a matchup that ultimately showcased just how close the 2023 season was.
Undeniably, Collingwood’s best win would have to be their final home win at John Cain Arena against the eventual premiers, Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Against all odds, the Magpies fought bravely to defy a late Thunderbirds comeback and claim an emotional three-goal win.
Molly Jovic was outstanding in her 51st Suncorp Super Netball appearance, while the defensive prowess of Ash Brazill, Jodi-Ann Ward and Geva Mentor was undeniable with 11 gains between them.
While the defensive effort were critical, the attacking work was just as impressive. Shimona Nelson and Sophie Garbin combined seamlessly, missing just one attempt between them, as Kelsey Browne racked up 17 assists from 40 feeds.
GAMECHANGER
It’s hard to deny Jodi-Ann Ward as the 2023 Magpies gamechanger, claiming her second Collingwood Best and Fairest award after a dominant season in the back-end.
The seasoned defender was nothing short of a livewire, able to spark her team back into action and continuously showing that height isn’t everything as a defender.
Despite her smaller size, Ward’s athleticism, speed and vertical leap are what make her such a significant threat, able to contest the high ball and provide a quick transition out of defence.
She finished second in the league for intercepts with 40 – only six behind compatriot Shamera Sterling – and no doubt incited plenty of fear in all those who lined up against her.
