WHEN THE siren sounded on Saturday night’s AFLW game, Melbourne had sealed a 24-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

But the win didn’t come without its challenges, the Dogs bringing the pressure in the second half, creating a tough contest between the two sides for the remainder of the game.

Star midfielder Tyla Hanks joined RSN Breakfast on Monday morning and explained how it was the team’s dominant first quarter that ultimately led to their victory.  

“It was awesome to start the season that way,” Hanks said.

“I think that first quarter was what really set it up for us.

“Mick was really happy with our game, but he was obviously a lot happier with that first quarter.

“We want to be able to play that style of footy for longer, so that’ll be something we go through tonight [at training], just to prolong that type of footy.”

A particular highlight of the Demons’ game on Saturday was their clean and efficient ball movement down the ground, something that Hanks said was an area of focus during pre-season.

“We’ve had a lot of games where we’ve played down-the-line footy in the past, but it doesn’t usually open up any scoring opportunities,” Hanks said.

“So, I think that’s definitely a focus for us - to use the open side of the ground or use the corridor.

“The whole purpose for us is to try and get deep entries inside fifty and then that way we’re a better chance of kicking a goal."

On Monday, Melbourne returned to AAMI Park to switch their focus to Round 2, where they are set to play Richmond at the Swinburne Centre on Friday 14 January.

With the Tigers also coming off a big first win, defeating St Kilda by 38 points, the game is sure to be a tight competition between the two teams.

“I think Richmond moved the ball well at times and had some really good representation up forward,” Hanks said.

“Obviously [Monique] Conti is their big name and gets a lot of the ball, so she’ll be one to keep an eye out for.”

Tickets for Friday night's game have officially sold out, with no more to be released.