MELBOURNE has kicked its 2025 AFLW campaign off on a high note as a new-look forward mix propelled the side to a dominant match simulation victory over Hawthorn.

The Demons looked dangerous in attack as its triple-headed tall forward attack of Eden Zanker, Tayla Harris and Georgia Gall spearheaded a seven-goal opening half and 34-point victory.

Harris returned to action after dislocating her shoulder in the opening round of the 2024 season and spending the remainder of the year on the sidelines.

A booming 50 metre bomb in the second term signalled her intent to return to her best form in the season ahead.

Her absence allowed the emergence of Georgia Gall in 2024, and paired with Harris and the 2023 AFLW leading goalkicker Eden Zanker, the Demons looked dangerous every time the ball entered inside 50.

The triple-pronged attack allowed captain Kate Hore an extended run through the midfield where she led the way with classy ball-winning and powerful clearance work.

“Having Tay back is a massive help for us,” assistant coach Matt Brewer said.

“We tried something last year and obviously it didn't work with Tay going back… but the three talls I think is going to cause a few headaches for the opposition backs.”

Megan Fitzsimon also impressed playing through the midfield and forward lines, leading the afternoon’s goalkickers with two majors.

The 22-year-old Demon was brutal at the contest, laying a number of hard hits and tackles.

“Fitzy has had a massive pre-season,” Brewer said.

“Her work rate is awesome the way she goes about it.

“We can play her in multiple roles - as a high forward, deep forward and also she had a role in the midfield as well.”

Hard-running winger Eliza McNamara was the other multiple goalkicker, pushing hard in both attack and defence as she built on a career-best 2024.

Veteran Paxy Paxman turned back the clock to kick off her tenth season, casting aside the foot soreness that plagued her last year to get involved with everything from the half forward line.

Paxman provided the highlight of the afternoon as the first term drew to a close, sending a defender flying with some evasive footwork before putting the Sherrin right on the money for her captain in the goal square.

No. 3 overall draft selection Molly O’Hehir built into her first hit-out against AFLW opposition, showing more and more of her trademark dash as the game progressed.

A strong one-on-one contested mark in the first term highlighted her defensive potential.

“She had a few nerves coming into the game," Brewer said.

“There's a lot of expectation with her being our number one pick.

“Once she settled into the game, she looked quite at home. We're hoping for big things from her this year.”

Second-year Demon Alyssia Pisano showed flashes of her potential, with chasedown tackles, pinpoint kicking and a handy grab highlighting her afternoon.

Maeve Chaplin and Sarah Lampard impressed in defence with some dash off half back and cool heads under pressure.

Gillard (knee), Harris (ankle), Campbell and Pearce (head knocks) all came from the ground, and further updates will be available in the clubs weekly injury update.

MELBOURNE         4.1     7.8     8.8      9.8 (62)
HAWTHORN          2.1     2.2     3.2     4.4 (28)

GOALS
Melbourne: Fitzsimon, McNamara 2, Zanker, Hore, Harris, Gall, Paxman