Moana Hope shrugged of the mid-week criticism to boot a strong goal, the first of the match.

She played her part but did not star in the 5.2 (32) to 3.7 (25) win.

It was a scrappy first quarter and a couple of missed opportunities from the Bulldogs forwards saw them go into the first break five points down.

The Doggies' Kirsty Lamb got her team's first major score early in the second and the teams were neck-and-neck at half time.

But Collingwood lifted after the main break, booting four goals and leaving the Doggies in their wake,

It felt like football weather - a cool February night with a strong breeze and more than 6700 fans created a lively atmosphere at the Whitten Oval.

The only downside was a strong smell emanating from the portaloos at the Yarraville end of the ground, which intermittently had fans covering their faces with scarves.

Why Collingwood won

The Western Bulldogs missed star forward Katie Brennan, who has been troubled by an ankle injury. They should have reached halftime well ahead, as they lead the statistics sheet with more disposals, tackles and inside-50s. But they simply could not convert in front of goal and as the game wore on, Collingwood gained confidence.

After struggling all year, the Pies were not about to let the opportunity to win their first game slip way from them. Meg Hutchins was a strong presence at half-back and Jess Cameron and Alicia Eva were potent up forward. The Western Bulldogs had their chances, but Collingwood deserved the win.

Play of the day

Dynamic forward Cameron shrugged off two Bulldogs defenders to tap the ball well into Collingwood's forward 50.

She eventually showed clean hands in scooping it up and hand passing to Eva, who snapped a beautiful Collingwood goal, opening the floodgates for the Pies.

The moment people will talk about

Kate Sheahan's worrisome injury late in the second quarter will be talked about for all the wrong reasons.

The professional tennis coach had the ball on the flank and side-stepped to avoid a tackle when her knee appeared to give way, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Sheahan, who in her mid-30s is among the oldest AFLW players, was a picture of pain when she was carried off the ground as cameras panned to her famous football journalist father Mike Sheahan in the stands.

She later appeared on the sidelines wearing a tracksuit and walking on crutches.

What the results mean

Neither the Western Bulldogs nor Collingwood will play in this year's grand final, but for both teams pride was on the line.

Highly regarded before the start of the season, the Bulldogs have been competitive, but have only one win from four matches to their names.

Saturday night's match was their last at Whitten Oval this season and the Doggies would have loved to have won in front the home crowd.

It was Collingwood's first win in the AFLW and they fought hard to achieve it.

The Pies will be relieved to get the win and gain confidence ahead of their next match, against fellow battlers Fremantle.