Summary

MELBOURNE’s Round 1 clash with Fremantle was high-paced, high-scoring and thoroughly entertaining.

The Demons were quick to jump with the opening two majors of the game, but as the swirly breeze picked up at Casey Fields, Fremantle soon took control.

It was a three-goal second term that allowed the Dockers to skip away to a significant 20-point lead at the main break, but the Demons didn’t go away.

A fighting third quarter saw the red and blue take charge, booting five unanswered goals to regain the lead at the final change.

But Fremantle stormed home with the wind and hit the front at the right time, clinging onto a four-point win.

Classy Demon forward Kate Hore was a shining light for her side with 13 disposals and a goal against the Dockers. She recaps the Round 1 clash below.

The numbers

DISPOSALS: Paxman 21, Mithen 18, O’Dea 17, Hore 13, Cordner, Gay, Pearce, Zanker 11

GOALS: Zanker 2, Gay, Hore, Newman, Cunningham, Jakobsson, Scott

Big positives

“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted with not getting the four points, but I think we definitely displayed some pretty good footy.

“We showed that when we do play the way we want to play, like in that third quarter, we’re going to be a very competitive side this year.

“In the third quarter I think we just played our game style really well. We won the contested footy and just surged it forward.

“We played the game in our forward 50 which makes it much easier on our forwards, as well as our mids and backs because it allows them to set up and defend.

“Our ability to hit the scoreboard was a real positive thing to take from the weekend. I think 55 points will be good enough to win most games in AFLW. Our forward line was really functional which is a really good sign heading into next week.”

The standouts

“I think our midfielders really led from the front. Paxy (Karen Paxman), Junior (Elise O’Dea), Lily (Mithen), they got their hands on the ball first and were able to deliver it into our forward 50.

“Eden Zanker also played really well – she’s done a lot of work in the off-season and she showed what she can do.”

In the rooms pre-game

“We’ve had a really good pre-season, everyone has been really connected both on and off the field and we were feeling really confident in the rooms pre-game.

“There was a real buzz and a great energy about the group heading into the game and even though we did lose on the weekend, that’s not going to damper our spirits. We’re still really looking forward to the season.

“The jumper presentation was very special on Sunday.

"It’s not every day you get to play your first game of AFL footy, so the girls were super excited and it was great to see them get their jumpers and have their families in the rooms. It will be a day they never forget.”

Key takeaway’s

“I think it just shows that when we play our game style, we play a really good brand of footy.

“So it’s just trying to be consistent for four quarters and not just play it for one quarter a game, but actually try to stretch that out for four quarters.

“That’s the main message. We’ve got a good game plan set and we just need to stick to it.”

Mick’s message

“Mick’s message is always nice and short and to the point after games. He doesn’t like to dwell on it too much, but I think although we did lose, he was still pretty happy with our performance.

There were some really good signs to take out of the game. We’ll review that this week and look to take the positives into the game against Collingwood this Saturday.”

Looking Ahead

Round 2 v Collingwood @ Victoria Park – Saturday, 9 February, 4:45pm

“Collingwood are quite a new team – they’ve lost quite a few girls in the off-season so it’s quite a new line-up for them.

“We’ll do some work on them during the week, but I think a lot of it will be focusing on the way we play rather than focusing on the opposition.”