LAST NIGHT, Melbourne’s AFLW side started the season just as they’d hoped – with a win at VU Whitten Oval to take out the Hampson-Hardeman Cup.

Thanks to an explosive start from the side, that saw them kick three goals to none in the first term, the Demons were able to run away with a 24-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.

Senior coach Mick Stinear joined media post-match to discuss the win and said he was particularly impressed with that opening-quarter performance.

“The girls started really well, with their ability to get first use and the way they used the ball in the first quarter against the breeze, I think that set the game up.

“Then it was a bit of a grind, after that [first quarter] it was a tough, contested game.

“Potentially there was a little fatigue, so we’ve got a little bit to work on but it’s probably not a bad spot to be in after Round 1 - getting a win on the board and still having plenty of room for improvement.”

The Saturday game saw the debut of a new forward-line structure featuring recruit Tayla Harris, who slotted her first goal as a Demon during the third term.

Speaking on this new line-up, Stinear said he was pleased to see the likes of Harris, Eden Zanker and Kate Hore impacting inside 50.

“I think if we get our ball movement right, like in that first quarter, it obviously gives them a greater opportunity to impact,” Stinear said.

Hore, who collected two goals for the game including the final major to seal the win, has continued to develop her talent up forward, improving upon each season since her debut in 2018. 

“Physically she keeps evolving as an athlete with her strength, her speed and her power,” Stinear said.

“And then skill wise, she continues to invest, she’d do more extras and more goal-kicking than most in the competition, I’d imagine.

“So, it’s no coincidence that she keeps evolving and improving each year and she’s a player hopefully people love coming to watch.”

Watch the full press conference with Stinear below.