Melbourne star Melissa Hickey is in doubt for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury during their easy AFLW win over Carlton.

Fellow Demon Aliesha Newman also appeared to hurt her groin in Sunday’s 35-point win at Ikon Park.

The Demons hope Hickey has not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but she will undergo scans on Sunday night.

The 8.9 (57) to 3.4 (22) win was a showcase of Melbourne’s AFLW premiership credentials, particularly their first-quarter battering of the last-placed Blues.

The Demons kicked 6.3 to a behind in the opening term and the win put Melbourne equal-top with one round left before the grand final.

The Western Bulldogs, who keep top spot because of their healthy percentage, will play the Demons next week in a massive clash for the right to host the grand final.

But upset losses to the Bulldogs and Brisbane this weekend mean five teams can still make the grand final.

Third-placed GWS and defending premiers Adelaide are half a game behind the Bulldogs and Demons, while the Lions are a game off top spot in fifth.

On Sunday, Melbourne added a new chapter to last-placed Carlton’s horror season when they went on a first-quarter rampage.

The Demons’ score at quarter time was 15 points better than the best Carlton match total this season.

The disposal count was 73-20

Midfielder Elisa O’Dea, who was best afield, had 11 disposals and kicked three goals for the term.

She had more possessions in the quarter than the combined total of the top five Carlton players, who only managed two apiece.

Blues stars Tayla Harris and Brianna Davey hit back with the opening two goals of the second term.

Carlton were much more competitive after quarter time, but the damage was done.

Demons key forward Tegan Cunningham recovered from last week’s concussion to kick three goals.