AFL WOMEN'S GAME: MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS, MCG, SUNDAY, 12:20pm

First quarter: Melbourne 3.3 (21) to Western Bulldogs 1.2 (8)

In an entertaining opening, the Bulldogs opened proceedings when Darcy Vescio kicked truly.

It proved to be the Dogs’ only major for the term, as the Demons hit back with three in a row and a 13-point lead at quarter-time.

Tayla Harris, Emma Swanson and Kiara Bowers were the goalkickers for Melbourne. 

Second quarter: Melbourne 3.8 (26) to Western Bulldogs 2.3 (15)

The Demons continued to pepper the scoreboard in the second term, but were unable to add any goals.

Instead, Melbourne booted five behinds, as the Bulldogs added one major, courtesy of Vescio, who had two for the match by the main break. 

At half-time, Melbourne led by 11 points.

Third quarter: Melbourne 3.11 (29) to Western Bulldogs 3.4 (22)

Goals were again hard to come by for Melbourne in the third term, as it added just three behinds.

Like the second term, the Dogs were the only team to kick a major, this time via Moanna Hope.

But the Demons still managed to lead by seven points entering the final term. 

Final quarter: Melbourne 4.13 (37) d Western Bulldogs 4.5 (29)

The tempo lifted significantly in the last term, when the game was on the line.

The Bulldogs got to within two points after Hope kicked her second, but when Kira Phillips landed a great goal shortly before the final term, the Demons were home.

In the end, Melbourne claimed an eight-point victory and Kara Donnellan was named best player on ground. It was also the third time Melbourne has defeated the Bulldogs in as many matches, since the AFL women's game started in 2013.