BACK TO BACK by Ruby Tuesday

[Demonland 10,346]

Despite a slow start that saw it lead by a solitary point at quarter time even though it had first use of a strong breeze at Casey Fields, Melbourne thrashed reigning premier Adelaide by 32 points to retain their unbeaten record in the 2018 AFLW competition.

The AFL hierarchy had made clear its edict for higher scoring and the adoption of a a 5-6-5 structure and the Demons responded with four goals against the wind in the second quarter to well and truly stitch up the game. With the lead out to 20 points at the main break, the home side continued to control proceedings and coasted home in the last for back to back victories.

In just two matches, they have passed 100 points for the season and gained recognition for their attractive play. The highlight was no doubt the Buddyesque goal from Aliesha Newman who carried the ball from the wing with three bounces evading two opponents and curved the ball through the big sticks  to record the early contender for goal of the year.

But the adage about a dominant midfield was no more pronounced than in this game with Melbourne’s Karen Paxman, Daisy Pearce and Elise O'Dea setting the tone from the very start with Paxman dictating terms after her injury scare in the opening game when she left the ground before quarter time with back spasms. This week she was leading possession gatherer with 21 disposals despite being afforded the luxury of a rest in the final term with the game well and truly done and dusted. O’Dea and Pearce worked hard all game and were not far behind her in the possession count.

The Demons worked harder than the Crows and were well rewarded with the four points for a game in which they held sway across the ground. Lily Mithen continued her impressive start to the season and Bianca Jakobsson again showed that she will be a vaualable addition to the ranks.

The team travels interstate for its next clash against the Dockers at Fremantle Oval.

Melbourne 1.1.7 5.2.32 7.4.46  8.8.56 

Adelaide 1.0.6 2.0.12 3.0.18 4.0.24

Goals 

Melbourne Cunningham Newman 2 Cranston Hickey L Pearce Scott

Adelaide Hewett Holmes McCormick Wallace

Best 

Melbourne Paxman, O'Dea Jakobsson Hore, Mithen D Pearce

Adelaide Marinoff Cox Randall Varnhagen Cox 

Injuries TBA

Reports Nil

Umpires Gibson McGinness Heffernan

Official crowd 3,800 at Casey Fields