MELBOURNE has triumphed in its first hit-out of the 2023 pre-season. 

The Dees travelled to IKON Park on Saturday to face the Blues in their opening practice match of their pre-season campaign, sealing a win at 5.5 (35) to 2.2 (14).

Newly appointed captain Kate Hore kicked three goals in the match-sim and was quick to show her leadership on-ground, while winger Eliza McNamara was also in-form on return from her season-ending injury in 2022. 

Tyla Hanks and Megan Fitzsimon both made scoreboard impact kicking a goal apiece, with Charlotte Wilson and Sinead Goldrick impressing down back. 

Defender Shelley Heath reviewed the initial hit-out and said that despite a shaky opening quarter, the group was able to hit some rhythm in the second half. 

"We started off a bit slow," Heath said. 

"We had to get use to playing alongside each other again, we were trying out our game style and had lots of different types of playing coming in and out.

"But after that first quarter, we eventually found our feet and started to play the way we wanted." 

Heath highlighted the work of her teammates, in particular the efforts of young Demon Georgia Campbell who impressed in her various roles across the ground. 

"Georgia did really well in her new role in the ruck," Heath said.

"I thought she competed really well, laid tackles, offered plenty of follow-up at ground level to her ruck work, took a good couple of marks and I think overall she's really stepping well into that ruck position."

Check out some of the action from the match below.