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Sport
Shayne Hope

Magpies intent on making AFLW splash

Collingwood's Sarah Rowe (r) says the success of the men's team is rubbing off onto them in AFLW. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Unbeaten Collingwood are out to make a statement by knocking off reigning AFLW premiers Adelaide in round four.

The Crows lost superstar Erin Phillips over the off-season and were beaten by Melbourne in round one, but remain one of the competition's benchmarks.

"We know that this weekend is going to be a massive test," Magpies midfielder Sarah Rowe told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash at Victoria Park.

"It goes back to the process and making sure we do the little things well ... but we want to make a statement and we want to go out to win this weekend.

"The Crows, with their success over the last few years and the culture that they drive in their club, they're always a competitive club that we come up against.

"They're very physical around the contest and I think it's going to be really important that we're physical in the midfield and we start from there."

Collingwood are one of four sides left with a perfect record this season after beating Carlton, Sydney and Geelong over the opening three rounds.

They have conceded just 43 points in the process - fewer than any other team bar the Cats (27).

Their early success has come despite entering the new campaign without star duo Brianna Davey and Britt Bonnici, who are still sidelined by long-term knee injuries.

"We recognised that we all really had to improve and play slightly different roles," Magpies defender Lauren Butler said.

"We've seen Rubes (Ruby Schleicher) come into the midfield and Jordyn Allen play a really important role for us, and lots of other players as well.

"The overall improvement of lots of different players has been really important to our success."

Collingwood's AFLW players are feeding off the energy of the club's AFL side, which has reached a preliminary final in Craig McRae's first season at the helm.

"There's an amazing feel around the club and this week you feel the preparation of the boys," Rowe said.

"I think that reflects onto the girls as well because we're in the club at the same time and we get the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the men's players and coaches.

"That really helps us and inspires us to drive this group forward."

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