We’re back!

That was fun. The Mighty Dees’ Season 10 campaign is off toa flying start with a commanding 48-point win over the Western Bulldogs, retaining the Hampson-Hardeman Cup in style. After a hard-fought first half in slippery conditions, the Dees came out in the second half and showcased their trademark superior class, piling on four goals in the third term and never looked back.

Dominating for the Dees all night were BOG Tyla Hanks (29 disposals, 2 goals) and Liv Purcell (34 possessions, 7 clearances, 1 goal). 

Wow, they were both so clean and strong —inside and outside — driving the Dees forward relentlessly. Hanksy’s second goal to ice the match was a sublime solo effort from a stoppage, a demonstration once again of her footballing awesomeness.

The match

There was a pre-match Hampson-Hardeman Cup tribute with a cavalcade of pioneers introduced to the crowd, accompanied by a night sky filled with pyrotechnics and musical entertainers.

The opening quarter was a tense arm-wrestle, with both sides struggling to find clean ball movement. Shelley Heath, (career-high 23 disposals), broke the deadlock with a composed set shot, and from there Melbourne’s midfield took control.

Kate Hore (17 disposals, 2 goals) started deep in attack before moving into the midfield to spark Melbourne’s surge. Eden Zanker (2 goals) and Alyssa Bannan (1 goal) provided strong targets, while Maeve Chaplin (14 disposals, 8 intercepts) was pivotal in turning defence into attack. Maevo’s ability to steam through traffic and know when to leave her opponent is first class.

The Bulldogs, celebrating their Pioneer Party, struggled to convert effort into scoreboard pressure. Heidi Woodley kicked their only goal, while Jasmyn Smith (11 first-quarter disposals) and Elaine Grigg (8 tackles) worked hard in vain.

New kids on the block

All our newbies showed they belong in this AFLW competition and coach Mick Stinear must have loved it!  

It was exciting to see the run, dare and physicality of Molly O’Hehir, the competitive and ‘nearly’ moments from pressure forward Maggie Mahony (replete with her noisy throng of supporters) and the composure of skillful defender, Laela Ebert.  

Fantastic first game, all of you.

Match moment

Midway through the second quarter in front of the members stand, Tayla Harris soared for a fearless trademark contested mark, reminding fans of her aerial prowess. Sadly, she was ruled out at halftime and sent to hospital after a freak eye injury. Fingers crossed Tay will be alright—she really unsettles the opposition with her courage and dynamism.

Meggs’ musings

Melbourne’s midfield depth is scary good. With Purcell, Hanks, Heath, McNamara and Paxy running riot, Hore able to swing between roles, and Chaplin stepping up in defence, the Dees look like early flag contenders. Blaithin Mackin was a welcome return too. Tayla Harris’s brief cameo showcased her presence up forward and she opens up space for Zanker and Bannan.

The second-half dominance was built on pressure and clean ball use. The Dees’ ability to transition from defence to attack was a highlight, and our tackling intensity never dropped. With St Kilda next, the challenge will be to maintain this standard.

Coaches and next week

Melbourne Coach Mick Stinear praised his team’s composure and adaptability, especially after Harris’s injury. He highlighted the midfield’s balance and Chaplin’s leadership in defence.

“We knew it would be a physical contest early,” said Stinear. “But our composure and connection after halftime was first-class.”

Bulldogs coach Tamara Hyett acknowledged Melbourne’s class and lamented her side’s inability to sustain pressure. She was proud of the team’s effort and the Pioneer Party celebrations but knows there’s work to do.

Next week the Demons play St Kilda at Casey Fields on Saturday at 3:05pm.

Bring on the Saints.  Let’s keep doing it Dees!

 WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.2 1.4 1.4 1.8 (14)

MELBOURNE 1.3 3.4 7.7 9.8 (62)

GOALS

Western Bulldogs Woodley

Melbourne Hore 2, Zanker 2, Hanks 2, Heath, Bannan, Purcell

BEST

Western Bulldogs Edmonds, Smith, Grigg, Fitzgerald

Melbourne Hanks, Heath, Hore, Purcell, Chaplin

INJURIES

Western Bulldogs Nil

Melbourne:Harris (eye)

CROWD 3,278 at Mission Whitten Oval

A good win! Wow a Saturday afternoon game at 3.10. unheard of these days.

Purcell was interviewed after the match and spoke so well. Balanced, intelligent and praising of others, along with Hore, Hanks and others I just love these leaders.

Really liked the effort of no. 20 Mahoney, she was in everything down forward, her tackling a highlight and with a few more games under her belt she should be one to score a lot of goals.

I encourage other Demons to get on board as I think they are a good team, well worth watching and hopefully we can give it a shake. Go Dees

I noticed the black arm bands...can anyone tell me the reason?