MELBOURNE has completed its second hit-out of the AFLW pre-season, hosting Richmond in a match simulation at Casey Fields on Friday.

It was a hot start from the Dees in the traditional four-quarter match, owning much of the play inside their forward half for the first term.

Laela Ebert got to work early in the backline, lapping up plenty of the ball with intercepts and clean skills. 

Speed Demon Alyssa Bannan impressed at the other end of the ground, kicking two first-quarter goals. She continued to be strong across the remainder of the game, providing pressure in attack, working across both the forward line and along the wing.

Draftee Jordyn Allen has once again put her hand up for Round 1, patrolling half back and rebounding with composed skills through traffic. 

Jacinta Hose was the key ruck for the duration of the match, and held steady in just her second game for the Dees, last week's match against Geelong her first since prior to getting drafted in 2023. 

Olivia Purcell returned to the footy field for the first time since rupturing her ACL last season. The powerful midfielder didn't waste time reminding fans of her skills, linking up well in the centre of the ground with stalwarts Kate Hore, Tyla Hanks and Shelley Heath. 

Heath was able to use her dominant tackling skills against a prolific Richmond midfield, an important asset for the Dees in what was a tough, physical game throughout.

Hore also proved integral in the second half, kicking two goals in the final term to help push the Dees to a winning margin. 

Melbourne will now turn its attention to its official practice match against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday 25 July.  

MELBOURNE  2.2  2.5  5.7  7.7 (49)
RICHMOND  0.0  3.1  5.1 6.6 (42)

GOALS Bannan (2), Hore (2), Wotherspoon (1), Fitzsimon (1), Hanks (1)

This match report has been produced by Melbourne Media, and does not represent the views of the club or coaching staff.