DETAILS | Essendon v Melbourne
DATE: Friday 27 September
TIME: 2:05pm (AEST)
LOCATION: Windy Hill | Wurundjeri
BROADCAST: Fox Footy and Kayo Sports
GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here
TICKETS: Available here
LAST TIME WE MET
Round 9, 2022 | Melbourne v Essendon
These two sides last met during season seven, in what was Essendon’s first official campaign within the AFLW competition. Melbourne hosted the Dons at Casey Fields for a windy classic at the southeast location.
The weather proved be the third competition on the day, but the home ground advantage worked well for the Dees, who made the most of their opportunities inside 50 kicking four goals in the opening half. Paxy Paxman became increasingly important for the red and blue, with Kate Hore also proving powerful up forward.
After a blistering third term that saw Melbourne kick a further three goals, it was a quiet fourth term on the scoreboard. Despite slowing down in scores, the Dees were able to still keep the game on their terms and Essendon finished the match with just one major. The inaugural game between these sides ended with a scoreline of 7.8 (50) to 1.3 (9).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lily Johnson | Melbourne
Johnson was announced as Melbourne’s debutant for this week, having arrived at the Dees during last season’s trade period. Coming across from Port Adelaide, where she played five senior games, Johnson will play her first game in the red and blue this Friday.
In Melbourne fans' first opportunity to watch the young Demon, they can expect to see clean kicks and quick run off either half back or along the wing. Having spent the past six months building towards this debutant moment, the 20-year-old will provide further connection in Melbourne's defensive 50.
Maddi Gay | Essendon
The former Demon made the move to Essendon at the conclusion of last season, and has kept to her strong ways at the Bombers. In her four games for Essendon, the powerful defender has become an integral cog in their backline mix.
Melbourne will be familiar with Gay's talents and if there’s one thing it'll be aware of, it’s her ability to move the ball with a booming kick that provides plenty of territory, the Bomber currently averaging 503 metres gained this season.
