MELBOURNE has started its new era under Tom Wilson in style with a 19-point victory over Hawthorn to begin the 2026 campaign.

The Dees proved too clinical in the fourth term for the Hawks, wrestling back momentum to run out 9.6 (60) to 6.5 (41) victors.

Round 1 Highlights
  • 04:35

    RD 1 | Post-match Media Conference | Tom Wilson

    Tom Wilson addresses the media following our round 1 match against Hawthorn.

    AFLW
  • 02:03

    RD 1 | Post-match Interview| Olivia Purcell

    We chat to Olivia Purcell following our Round 1 win over Hawthorn.

    AFLW
  • 06:07

    RD 1 | Match Highlights

    The Hawks and Demons clash in round one of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.

    AFLW
  • 01:14

    RD 1 | Mia starts new chapter with four

    Mia Austin wastes no time settling into her new home, booting four goals in an impressive first-up showing for the Demons

    AFLW
  • 00:48
    Highlights
    Highlights

    RD 1 | Heath's stunning dagger

    Shelley Heath shows incredible agility to burst through a sea of Hawks before finishing in style with a brilliant match-sealing goal.

    AFLW
  • 00:24
    Match Day
    Match Day

    RD 1 | AFLW Team Song

    Watch the Demons celebrate their round one win

    AFLW
  • 00:57

    RD 1 | Luckless Dee suffers cruel blow

    Jacinta Hose is assisted from the field with an ankle injury, bringing her night to an early end after enduring a wretched run of setbacks.

    AFLW

Melbourne was too slick in the first quarter, piling on five goals to Hawthorn's two as veterans Kate Hore and Tayla Harris ran riot early.

Hore was everywhere, dominating around the coalface and as a serious threat in the front half, finishing with 22 disposals, nine score involvements, five marks and 1.4.

Hawthorn had no answers for the Melbourne captain, who was able to do as she pleased to give her team the ascendency. 

Meanwhile, Harris was sensational as a key forward, regularly crashing packs and clunking big marks. 

The four-time All-Australian created plenty of opportunities for her teammates and finished with 18 disposals, five score involvements and five marks.

The Hawks fought back well in the second and third terms, booting a combined four goals to one to tie things up at the final change. 

But from there, the Dees flexed their muscles, kicking the final three goals of the game to reaffirm their status as premiership contenders this season.

Melbourne midfielder Liv Purcell was an absolute ball magnet on her return from an ACL injury, racking up a game-high 32 disposals and nine tackles, while new recruit Mia Austin was a handful for Hawthorn's defenders, booting four majors. 

Debutant Jordyn Allen showed some impressive signs in her first AFLW outing for the Dees with 19 touches, while midfield maestro Tyla Hanks was also busy with 22 disposals.

For the Hawks, new recruit Jacqui Dupuy was a force to be reckoned with in the front half, completely ruling the airways and giving the Hawks a strong focal point in attack.

Dupuy, who previously played 49 games with the Suns, finished with 16 touches, nine marks and 1.3 in a dominant performance. 

Midfield bull Eliza West (27 disposals, six tackles) was everywhere for the Hawks and worked well in tandem with ruck Lucy Wales (18 disposals, 29 hitouts), who gave the onball brigade first use more often than not. 

Irish forward Aine McDonagh booted three majors and looked lively, while key defender Jenna Richardson was also solid in the backline with 19 touches and 11 marks.

Dukes Dupuy straightens up the Hawks
One of the Hawks' biggest issues last year was a lack of marking targets inside 50, but it seems as though they've found a solution to that. As good as Aine McDonagh is, she's often more effective when she can utilise her athleticism and get up and down the ground, without needing to be the sole focal point ahead of the ball. The addition of Jacqui Dupuy from the Suns, however, already looks to be paying dividends. The key forward had a real presence around the ground, providing a target in the front half and chopping out ruck Lucy Wales as well at centre ball-ups. It was an outstanding first game for Dupuy in the brown and gold and one she can build her season off. 

Luckless Dee hurt again
Young Melbourne ruck Jacinta Hose cannot take a trick. The 20-year-old has had an injury-riddled start to her AFLW career, rupturing her ACL twice and needing back surgery. The Heathmont product had to wait 968 days after being drafted to finally realise her dreams and feature at AFLW level. With veteran ruck Lauren Pearce sidelined with a knee injury, Hose was given the reins to lead the ruck department, but her night was cut short after suffering an ankle injury in the first half. 

Up next
Hawthorn will look for its first win of the season when it travels to Alberton Oval to take on Port Adelaide at 5:20pm on Sunday, while Melbourne hosts GWS at Casey Fields that afternoon at 2:35pm. 

HAWTHORN 2.2 5.3 6.5 6.5 (41)
MELBOURNE 5.1 6.4 6.5 9.6 (60)

GOALS
Hawthorn: McDonagh 3, Stockwell, Ashmore, Dupuy
Melbourne: Austin 4, Mahony 2, Hore, McNamara, Heath

BEST
Hawthorn: Dupuy, West, McDonagh, Wales, Richardson
Melbourne: Hore, Purcell, Harris, Austin, Hanks, Allen

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Melbourne: Hose (ankle)

Crowd: 2879 at Ikon Park