MELBOURNE has continued its unbeaten run in 2026, with a dominant third term the key to setting up the 34-point victory against Carlton at Casey Fields on Saturday.

The Demons, playing against the Blues for the first time since 2022, kicked four goals to one in ‘the premiership quarter’ to take the game away from their opponents en route to winning 8.10 (58) to 3.6 (24).

DEMONS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

Tyla Hanks was everywhere, collecting a game-high 32 possessions and a goal, getting strong support from Olivia Purcell (26 and two).

Claudia Whitfort battled hard for Carlton (24 disposals, 10 tackles, and six clearances) but the Blues struggled in the afternoon sunshine.

Melbourne dominated disposals (+49), inside 50s (+18), and contested possessions (+24) to hand Carlton a second consecutive defeat.

It was challenging to move the ball early, with a swirling breeze causing headaches for both sides.

Poppy Scholz had the opportunity to put the Blues in front early, getting on the end of a Whitfort kick inside 50, but missed to the left. Demon Hanks managed the conditions better, slotting the opening goal from a tight angle after receiving a free kick.

Melbourne, kicking with the wind in the second, used the conditions well with a series of long kicks early in the quarter to send the ball inside 50. Former Blue Mia Austin found herself on the end of one such kick and goaled from close range, while Tayla Harris, another former Blue, found space and marked a long ball but failed to convert.

Irish duo Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick got busy for Carlton in the second, combining for 15 disposals, nine contested possessions, five inside 50s, three tackles, three clearances, and two important goals to keep their side in touch.  

The Blues also lifted their game at stoppages after the first break, winning five clearances to the Demons’ six after trailing six to two at quarter-time. New ruck combo Jess Good and Lauren Bella fought hard against Georgia Campbell and Harris, with Bella (on club debut and on return from a calf injury) on managed minutes.

Most of the third quarter was an arm wrestle, before Molly O’Hehir and Maggie Mahony goaled in quick succession to give Melbourne a bit of breathing space.

The Demons supporters had hearts in their mouths when Georgia Gall left the field in the hands of trainers partway through the third. But Melbourne pushed on, with Olivia Purcell bagging two in quick succession to push the lead out to 29 points.

Gall completed a fitness test during the final change and returned to the field after the break.

Melbourne didn't let up their pressure in the final term, holding Carlton scoreless to ensure it remained unbeaten in fourth quarters for 2026. Demons debutant Jorja Livingstone kicked the only goal of the term, sparking celebrations from her teammates.

Georgia Campbell copped a whack in the dying stages of the quarter and appeared in some discomfort as she was assisted from the field.

Demons’ record start
Melbourne remains the only undefeated team this season, recording their sixth consecutive victory in 2026. It represents the best start to a season in club history, surpassing their 5-0 run in 2023 before losing to Adelaide by 10 points. 

Contested possession dominance
The Demons were the No.1-rated contested possession team heading into Round 6 (+17.6) compared to their opponents, while Carlton was rated second (+14.2). But you wouldn't have guessed it, with Melbourne dominating the contest to finish with 24 more contested possessions than the Blues. Hanks (19) and Purcell (15) led from the front, with Kate Hore and Tayla Harris (11 each) also contributing. 

Up next
Both teams feature in the IKON Park double-header on the AFL Grand Final eve public holiday next Friday. Carlton will look to get back on the winners list when it hosts Richmond in the 4pm game. After that, Melbourne and North Melbourne face off in the inaugural ‘Craic in at the W’ game – the AFLW version of Jim’s Game, which celebrates the life and legacy of former Dees champion Jim Stynes – in what should be a mouthwatering encounter between two of the form teams this season. 

MELBOURNE     1.1      3.4     7.5      8.10 (58)
CARLTON          0.3      2.6     3.6      3.6 (24) 

GOALS
Melbourne: Purcell 2, Hanks, Austin, Fitzsimon, O’Hehir, Mahony, Livingstone
Carlton: Fitzpatrick, Finn, S.McKay 

BEST
Melbourne: Purcell, Hanks, Chaplin, Mahony
Carlton: Whitford, Fitzpatrick, A.McKay 

INJURIES
Melbourne: Campbell (throat)
Carlton: Nil 

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Casey Fields