Collingwood coach Wayne Siekman hopes Saturday night's drought-breaking win over the Western Bulldogs might be the launch pad for an unlikely run to the AFL Women's grand final.
The Pies climbed off the bottom of the ladder with the 5.2 (32) to 3.7 (25) win, but they're still a long way back in sixth with three rounds to go.
Their pre-season goal of making the grand final seemed out of reach when they slumped to an 0-3 record, but Siekman believes his side is finally up and running after a slow start.
"The season's not over yet," he said.
"It's a great competition, it's unique and it's tight,
"All we can do is hope we beat Fremantle next and keep going on our merry way ... who knows what can happen?
"Although it's been a slow start for our football club we're starting to build some momentum, which is great."
Strong winds made conditions tricky for both sides with neither able to score a goal at the Geelong Road end of Whitten Oval.
The Pies slammed through four goals in a decisive third quarter to set up the victory after trailing by three points at halftime.
"It's just great for the players," Siekman said.
"We are Collingwood Football Club, we're the biggest club in the country, and these players probably felt a bit of that (pressure).
"(But) it looked like they played with a bit more freedom this week."
The only sour note for the Pies was a seemingly serious knee injury suffered by Kate Sheahan.
With her father, respected veteran journalist Mike looking on, Sheahan was inconsolable as she was carried from the ground.
Scans on Monday will determine the severity of her injury.
The result leaves both sides with one win after four rounds with just three rounds remaining before the top two teams play off in the grand final.
The Bulldogs were one of the main premiership fancies before the inaugural season got under way but Paul Groves' side have now lost three straight on their home ground.
However, Groves, who has had to deal with key injuries - most notably to star skipper Katie Brennan over the past fortnight - is taking a longer view.
"I spoke to the girls about this ... this is not just an exhibition game or an exhibition series - it's an ongoing plan," he said.
"(Some of) these girls can be here for the next 10 years.
"It's about continual improvement ... giving them the confidence that they're Western Bulldogs players now - they're not getting thrown back in the draft pool."
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