A star turn by Melbourne skipper Daisy Pearce has helped the Demons to a 14-point AFL Women’s win over the Western Bulldogs.
Pearce amassed 26 possessions on Saturday night in an eye-catching performance in the clash between the two pioneer clubs of women’s football, Melbourne prevailing 6.7 (43) to 4.5 (29) at Whitten Oval.
Alyssa Mifsud was also important for the Demons with three goals, while Karen Paxman (27 possessions) and Elise O’Dea (19) were influential.
Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney were the standouts for the Dogs with 26 and 25 touches respectively, but the home side didn’t have enough contributors.
The Dogs, missing injured skipper Katie Brennan, clawed their way to a two-point lead at the first break, but didn’t manage a score in the second term as the Demons made their move.
With goals to Deanna Berry, Harriet Cordner and Mifsud, Melbourne took a 14-point lead into the third quarter.
The resurgent Bulldogs slashed that gap to just three points midway through the term, but Mifsud imposed herself on the contest with two quick goals.
Hayley Wildes kept her side in it with the first goal of the final term, but Mel Hickey settled Demon nerves when she converted a free kick after receiving a 50m penalty.
The win improves Melbourne’s record to 2-1 after three rounds, while the Dogs slip to 1-2.
The Demons will attempt to continue their winning run when they take on Carlton on Saturday at Casey Fields, while the Bulldogs will look to rebound against Collingwood at Whitten Oval.
Demons coach Michael Stinnear said the most pleasing aspect for him was the continued improvement in his team.
“We wanted four quarters of effort from all 22 players and, after finding our feet in the first quarter, it was good – a really pleasing day.”
Bulldogs coach Paul Groves lamented his side’s inability to be first to the football, the Demons winning a lopsided possession count 223 to 170.
“Credit to them, their older stars played bloody good footy,” Groves said.
“We were able to quell them early and then Daisy (Pearce) goes in the middle and starts tearing us apart.
“They just outplayed us tonight. I think one-on-one across the field, we were soundly beaten.”
