MELBOURNE maintained its early-season momentum by beating Richmond by 28 points in AFLW second round action on Saturday afternoon.
The Demons utilised a multi-pronged forward set-up to run away to win 7.2 (44) to 2.4 (16) in perfect playing conditions at Casey Fields.
Richmond, still searching for that breakthrough win in their eighth attempt, lacked nothing for spirit and endeavour. But once again the Tigers left too much to tall Sabrina Frederick and skipper Katie Brennan up forward.
Melbourne set up their second straight victory once the midfield, led by Karen Paxman (19 disposals) and Lily Mithen (20), took charge after an even opening quarter.
The Dees, slow starters in the opening round on the Gold Coast, paid a price again despite captain Daisy Pearce’s toss win providing first use of the breeze to the northern end goals.
Frederick marked 25m out and a Demon defensive infringement pulled her to the goal line for the opening major to give the visitors a flying start. It was to be the Tigers’ only scoreboard success until Sarah Hosking goaled from a free kick late in the last quarter.
Melbourne settled after the first break and superior system allowed the Demons to grab control of the contest.
Where Tigers Monique Conti (27 disposals) and No.1 draft pick Ellie McKenzie (14) led a productive midfield early in the game, the Demons hit back hard around the contests with their principle on-ballers Paxman and Mithen, backed by Tyla Hanks (19) and Casey Sherriff (14) across the centre.
Melbourne had more target options inside the forward 50 with Tegan Cunningham and Alyssa Bannan goaling after strong marks to give the Demons the lead.
Bannan, playing only her second AFLW game, twice slotted home in the second term to hand the Demons a scoreboard buffer.
Kate Hore underlined the Demons dangers at ground level with two goals in the third term that left Richmond trailing by 23 points at the final change.
The Tigers’ chase was impossible once Demon forward Shelley Scott kicked truly midway through the last quarter and the home side strolled to an impressive victory.
(C) AAP 2021
MELBOURNE 1.0 3.1 5.2 7.2 (44)
RICHMOND 1.0 1.2 1.3 2.4 (16)
Goals: Melbourne: A Bannan 2 K Hore 2 K Paxman S Scott T Cunningham. Richmond: S Frederick S Hosking.
Umpires: Simon Meredith, Michael Pell, Martin Rodger.
Venue: Casey Fields.
