Forward Richelle Cranston booted three second-half goals as the Demons clinched a gripping six-point win over Greater Western Sydney in the opening round of the AFLW competition on Saturday.

The lead changed hands three times during the final quarter at Casey Fields as Melbourne hung tough to win 7.3 (45) to 6.3 (39) against the luckless Giants, who claimed the wooden spoon in the inaugural AFLW season in 2017.

Melbourne midfielder Karen Paxman suffered a back injury during the opening term.