MELBOURNE has built further confidence 13 days out from Round 1, defeating Adelaide in a practice match at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Dees travelled to Adelaide for their final test of the 2025 pre-season and after holding the Crows goalless for three quarters, claimed a victory at 5.8 (38) to 8.4 (52).

The Crows opened the game with a tough contest; the ball stuck in Melbourne’s defensive 50 for much of the first quarter.

The Dees backline stayed strong, however, so it wasn’t long until the scoreboard broke open thanks to back-to-back goals from Demons Ryleigh Wotherspoon and Shelley Heath.

This momentum continued into the second term, skipper Kate Hore showcasing her skills inside 50, kicking two goals and keeping composure among the team.

The third term saw Adelaide finally hit the scoreboard with its first major of the game and the Crows took their opportunity, kicking a further four goals throughout the quarter.

However, it was the Dees that stood tall in the final term, keeping control of the game, restricting the home side from any further scores and kicking a further goal.  

Midfielders Olivia Purcell and Tyla Hanks were among the best on the day finishing with 25 and 21 disposals, respectively.

Sarah Lampard also impressed in a fresh role across the backline, stepping into more of a key defender position with a number of Demons sidelined. Similarly, Maeve Chaplin was also dominant in defence collecting 21 disposals.

Hore rounded out her captain’s display with three goals, 26 disposals and eight tackles.

With this match putting a full stop on pre-season, the Dees will now turn their attention to Round 1 at Misson Whitten Oval on Saturday 16 August.

Dees fans wanting to secure their spot for the 2025 season can purchase membership deals here.

ADELAIDE  0.3  0.5  5.7  5.8 (38)
MELBOURNE  2.0  5.1  7.1  8.4 (52)

GOALS 3 Hore, 1 Wotherspoon, Heath, McNamara, Zanker, Bannan
DISPOSALS 30 McNamara, 26 Hore, 25 Purcell, 21 Chaplin, Hanks