Collingwood AFLW players incorrectly told their season was over amid finals series chaos

Collingwood AFLW players were told their season was over, then they were back in. The inside story of how the AFL’s mistake led to an emotional rollercoaster for the players. SEE THE AFLW FINALS FIXTURE

Kate Salemme

2 min read

March 19, 2020 - 5:43PM

AFLW

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Collingwood’s AFLW players were planning a night at the pub after wrongly being told its season was over on Wednesday night.

The Magpies were informed by an AFL official only the top two teams from each conference would be playing in the finals series.

That ruled Collingwood, who sat fourth in conference B, out of the premiership race and abruptly ended its season.

That was until the Magpies were told they were still alive, with the top four from each conference to play in a three-week finals series.

SEE THE AFLW FINALS FIXTURE BELOW

“We got told by an AFL official directly that it was top two only,” captain Steph Chiocci told the Herald Sun.

“Our (football) ops manager then called her contact at the AFL and got told otherwise.”

The mistake set off a chain of events that put the Collingwood players through an emotional rollercoaster for an hour as players from rival clubs reached out with different information.

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Steph Chiocci was in tears when Collingwood was initially told by the AFL their season was over. Picture: Michael Klein

Several Magpies, including Chiocci, were in tears and had planned to head to a pub, with some having already left, before their season was declared back on.

Coach Steve Symonds had also thanked his team for their efforts as he wrapped up the season.

“It was the unknown and the mixed messaging that messed with us,” Chiocci said. “When reality sunk in, it hit hard. It was just confusion, it was bedlam.

“It was an hour of you’re in, you’re out, you’re in, you’re out. We were left bewildered.

“It was discussed that we would all head out together and stay united given how disappointed we were. A quiet drink amongst the group to let it all digest.”

The Magpies will face premiership favourites North Melbourne at Ikon Park tomorrow.

The team will train on Friday night in preparation and put the chaos of emotions behind them.

“It’s done now and our focus shifts to our first ever final this weekend, which is exciting,” Chiocci said.

Collingwood’s AFLW season is still alive. Picture: Getty Images

“Obviously there are bigger issues going on in the world at the moment and that’s not lost on us. We are just pleased that we can continue our journey and provide people with a sense of normality. Sport unites us.”

Melbourne has been dealt a double blow ahead of its elimination final against GWS with Irishwomen Sinead Goldrick and Niamh McEvoy flying home yesterday amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Herald Sun understands the Demons, who have had five players suffer ACL tears, will be able to field a full team and will not need to upgrade any train-on players.

“With so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, we think what’s best for Niamh and Sinead is to be back home in Ireland with their families,” Melbourne AFLW Football boss Daniel McPherson said.

The eight finalists will play knockout finals, with the AFLW Grand Final to be played on the weekend of April 4-5.

AFLW FINALS FIXTURE: WEEK ONE

Saturday 21 March

Kangaroos v Collingwood

Ikon Park

12.40pm AEDT

Saturday 21 March

GWS v Melbourne

GIANTS Stadium

2.40pm AEDT

Saturday 21 March

Fremantle v Gold Coast