IT ALL CAME together for Mick Stinear and his Demons on Saturday night.
Melbourne was all class in its record-breaking display at Optus Stadium, recording the highest score in AFLW history and becoming the first side to ever crack the 100-point mark.
As the group got some reward for its continued efforts, the successful trip west was one to make coach Stinear proud.
“We’ve been working towards trying to combine our game style and get it working consistently,” Stinear said in his post-match press conference.
“I think we needed a game like tonight to really show what we can do and also, for the players themselves to feel what that connection is like.
“We came here tonight wanting to play our best footy and try and get all three phases of our game going – our contest, offence and defence.
“We’re really pleased with the effort. That’s the sort of consistency and execution of our game style that we want to deliver for the rest of the season now.”
Eager to make the most of their opportunity on a big deck, the Demons came out firing against an impacted Fremantle, setting up a two-goal buffer at the first break.
Melbourne’s margin only grew from there, as pristine conditions allowed for clean, smooth passages of play, that was entertaining for any footy fan to watch.
The Demons clocked up 111 more disposals, 87 of which were uncontested, and were once again strong in the air – they finished with 56 marks, including 14 under pressure and 23 inside their forward 50.
For Stinear, it was a case of bringing all the little things together, to take control in Melbourne’s half of the ground.
“Freo were good early, they were beating us to the ball,” he said.
“We felt our contest game from [the second quarter] really dictated the outcome and we were able to complement that with some good offence.
“Then defensively, [it was] denying Freo of their uncontested marks. We were able to play the game in our forward half.”
The result was one to behold, as the Demons got to work and registered a total of 16 majors from seven individual goalkickers.
Captain Daisy Pearce put on an absolute masterclass, converting five goals from 17 disposals, in a performance that saw her become just the fourth player ever to kick such an amount in a game.
“She hasn’t stopped smiling after the game,” Stinear said.
“It was probably nice to get some reward in front of goal, but Daisy just loved seeing the team function like that – everyone playing their role, the predictability they had to each other and the commitment to executing our game style.”
Tayla Harris and Kate Hore added great support with three majors to each of their tallies, while Karen Paxman (two goals), Casey Sherriff, Alyssa Bannan and Shelley Scott (one goal each) were also dangerous.
Lily Mithen continued her impressive form this season, managing 24 disposals, four marks and four tackles, playing an integral role in Melbourne’s midfield.
“Lil has had four or five consistent weeks now,” Stinear said.
“Her ball use has been really good. Her work rate is obviously her strength, but as she’s matured and evolved as a player, it’s her ball use that has been a point of difference.
“She’s doing a great job at the moment, and we want that to continue.”
Melbourne now moves to top position on the 2022 AFLW ladder – there are games still to be played in Round 9 – with eight wins out of their nine matches.
The Demons will head home to take on Carlton in the final game of the regular season, as they look to maintain their spot and secure a top-two finish.
Hear more from coach Mick Stinear below.
