The stats

DISPOSALS: Paxman 26, O’Dea 20, Gay 18, D.Pearce 17, Hore 13

GOALS: Scott

Wasteful in front of goal

The Dees managed just one goal on Friday night, which was never going to be enough to win a game in perfect conditions.

But the five-point loss wasn’t due to a lack of opportunities, as Melbourne kicked eight behinds in three quarters of footy.

Winning the footy

Melbourne’s midfield has been impressive in the early stages of the season, and that continued in Moorabbin.

Karen Paxman found the ball with ease, while Elise O’Dea and Maddi Gay also racked up the disposals.

Unfortunately the connection going forward was off at times, as the side failed to capitalise on their 31 inside 50s.

The role of the wind

The wind played a factor at RSEA Park, severely favouring one end of the field.

Melbourne had the chance to make first use of it, but took just a four-point lead into quarter-time, leaving the window open for the Saints.

While it seemed like the wind died down late in the game, the Dees were unable to hit the scoreboard in the final term as Caitlin Greiser slotted the match-winner for her side.

Another ACL blow

Maddy Guerin ruptured her ACL in the second quarter on Friday, becoming the fourth Demon to suffer the dreaded knee injury this season.

The 20-year-old will unfortunately be stuck on the sidelines with Ainslie Kemp, Katherine Smith and Shae Sloane, who have also gone down in similar fashion over the past two months.

Melbourne’s misfortune continued in Round 3, with Aliesha Newman hurting her foot early in the game, Shelley Heath copping a knock on the finger, and Sinead Goldrick missing the second half with concussion.

Fortunately, those three girls are expected to be fit next week.

What it means

It was a disappointing result for the Demons, but one which saw St Kilda record its inaugural win in the AFLW competition.

On the back of this, the Dees have fallen to fourth position on the Conference B ladder, with two wins from their three games.

Coming up

Last weekend's outcome makes the Round 4 clash with Collingwood all the more important, with percentage the only thing separating the two teams.

With another Friday night match up, Melbourne gets the chance to play on the big stage of Marvel Stadium, prior to the State of Origin Bushfire Game.