MELBOURNE has developed a far more potent attack for another crack at Carlton in round four of the NAB AFL Women’s competition at Casey Fields in Melbourne’s south-east on Saturday.
The Demons' forward line is vastly different to the set-up that scrounged only one goal in a 43-point loss to the Blues in a January practice match at Ikon Park.
On top of that, Carlton's backline will be weakened by a back injury to marquee player Brianna Davey, and fellow defender Sarah Last's season-ending knee injury.
Melbourne found an alternate target to Richelle Cranston when Alyssa Mifsud booted three goals in last Saturday night's 14-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval.
The Demons have won their past two games to jump to fourth place, just behind the Blues, with the two level on points heading in to this crucial clash.
"To realise what we're doing and the game plan are really working has given us confidence," defender Jasmine Grierson said.
"Most of us had reviews on Monday with the coach (Michael Stinear). We also (did) a team review before we focus on match-ups for Carlton.
"We've got something to go off from that practice match. We did see that game as a practice match and it was the first match playing as a team. But we have changed so much since."
Grierson has excelled since being switched from attack to defence, playing a pivotal role with 18 possessions in the win against the Dogs.
"The first two games I played half-forward and then when Meg Downie got injured, we needed someone to go back," she said.
"I like playing forward because I do like to snag a goal, but I feel more at home playing down back. The leaders in the backline were able to direct me."
Grierson also feels right at home at Casey Fields – she played four games with VFLW team Cranbourne on a nearby oval last season before Melbourne drafted her.
"Most of the girls on the team come down and watch. And my family just loves it, they're always there," said the 18-year-old from Mitcham in Melbourne’s east.
As the second-youngest player on the Demons' list, Grierson said being able to devote all her time to preparation after Year 12 exams last year helped set her up for the inaugural AFLW season.
"I'm lucky because I finished school and uni doesn't start until next week (she’ll be doing a sports science degree)," she said.
"So for three months I've had time to focus on footy. I've been loving it."