MELBOURNE has put a full stop on its 2026 AFLW Pre-Season with a final hit-out against Essendon on Friday.

The Demons entered the match simulation light on numbers due to both injury and tomorrow’s Australia v Ireland representative game.

This allowed a group of VFLW Demons to join the side, earning an opportunity at top level footy.

In positive news for the Demon cohort, the team saw the return of duo Tayla Harris and Georgia Campbell, who both played their first matches of the pre-season.

The two talls rotated between the ruck and up forward, alongside Jacinta Hose, providing plenty of opportunity through their aerial contests.  

Down back, Sarah Lampard was a leader in defence, using her experience to help shape a young backline. 18-year-old Demon Jordy Allen continued to show her skills off half back, which look well beyond her years. 

Olivia Purcell led the charge through the middle of the ground, building nicely towards a return in Round 1, having missed majority of last season due to an ACL injury.

Maggie Mahony and Megan Fitzsimon rolled through the midfield and created pressure on the ball, their tackling skills also important inside 50 when they both rotated through the forward line.

Onlookers at Windy Hilly were wowed by Mahony in the opening term when she slotted a set-shot at a tough angle from the right pocket. In just her second pre-season, the 19-year-old looks to be growing her game with each match.

The Dees will now have just under two weeks to prepare for their Round 1 clash with Hawthorn on Thursday 13 August at IKON Park.  

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