MELBOURNE has finished its pre-season with a final hit-out against Port Adelaide on Sunday, the full-time scores sitting at 9.8 (62) to 8.4 (52).  

The Dees were hot in the contest from the first bounce but were unable to keep momentum, the Power running away with the match in the second half.  

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Kate Hore was once again influential in her side’s last test before Round 1, impressive in her time across the forward line and midfield.  

The captain lit up the stats sheet with 24 disposals, eight marks, eight inside 50s, nine score involvements, seven tackles and two goals.  

Melbourne’s day started off with Hore, who hit the scoreboard for the opening major of the game, Olivia Purcell delivering a perfect kick to her skipper just right of the goal square.  

It wasn’t long before Port Adelaide got amongst the action kicking back-to-back goals and putting themselves in the game. 

Young Demon Ryleigh Wotherspoon was next to get a slice of the scoring pie, the beginning of an exciting display from the dynamic draftee, who finished the day with three goals and six score involvements.  

The second term started all Port’s way, the home side taking the first three majors, before Wotherspoon swung the momentum back the travelling team’s way.  

Paxy Paxman thrived in her new defence role, providing stability off half-back, while new Demon Grace Beasley was strong at the contest.  

The second half brought more energy from the Power and despite sparks of Melbourne footy, including goals from Alyssia Pisano and Megan Fitzsimon, Port Adelaide kept the lead and finished the day with the win.  

“It was a pleasing start to the game after last week, and then the way we finished, we were really happy with the side playing our brand of football that little bit more,” senior assistant coach Shae Sloane told media following the game.  

“The key takeaway is getting our connection right…just a bit more to develop in that area. 

“But some really pleasing moments, some good individual performances and an ability to change the way the game looked.”  
 
Gab Colvin and Paxman were both on limited minutes as they were returning from injury, while Eliza McNamara, Beasley and Purcell were taken out of the match with the club to provide further updates during the week once they have been assessed.  

Melbourne will now turn its attention to its Round 1 clash against Geelong on Saturday 31 August.  

PORT ADELAIDE | 2.0 6.3 8.6 9.8 (62) 
MELBOURNE | 4.0 5.0 6.1 8.4 (52)

Goals | 3 Wotherspoon, 2 Hore, 1 Pisano, Fitzsimon