First quarter: Melbourne 2.3 (15) to Brisbane Lions 0.0 (0)
Daisy Pearce had an outstanding first term, booting both majors.
She kicked her first at the two-minute mark, and bobbed up with her second 10 minutes later.
Her efforts helped Melbourne gain a 15-point lead at the first break.
Karen Paxman had the most disposals for the Dees, with seven in the first term.
For the Lions, Kate Lutkins had the most with 10 touches.
Second quarter: Melbourne 2.6 (18) to Brisbane Lions 1.1 (7)
First-gamer Eden Zanker had the chance to kick her first AFLW goal – twice – early in the second quarter, but she registered back-to-back behinds.
Melbourne was 17 points up early in the second term, but when Sabrina Fredrick-Traub landed the Lions’ first at the six-minute mark, the margin was cut back to 10 points.
Just two more behinds were added for the rest of the term, as the Demons took an 11-point advantage into the main break.
Pearce continued to shine and had an equal game-high 15 disposals with Lutkins by half-time.
Paxman was next best with 14 touches, while Elise O’Dea had 13 possessions.
Third quarter: Melbourne 3.10 (28) to Brisbane Lions 2.2 (14)
Melbourne’s inaccuracy on the scoreboard continued in the second half, when Kate Hore and Rocky Cranston missed opportunities early on.
And when Frederick-Traub kicked a checkside from the pocket at the 10-minute mark, the margin was reduced to just six points.
But a critical mark and goal from Tegan Cunningham, who became the third goalscorer for the night, gave Melbourne at 13-point lead at the 14-minute mark.
Cunningham was back in the action moments later, but unfortunately it came in the form of a nasty collision with Lion Nicole Hildebrand, which forced both players to the sidelines. The key forward sported a cut about the eye.
At the final change, Melbourne led by 14 points.
Final quarter: Melbourne 4.10 (34) d Brisbane Lions 4.4 (28)
The Lions kicked the first goal early in the final term, courtesy of Brit Gibson, closing the gap to eight points.
But Kate Hore answered at the five-minute mark, putting the Demons up by 14 points, but her major proved to be Melbourne’s only one of the final term.
Still, the Lions refused to give in and when Frederick-Traub kicked her third goal at the 14-minute mark, there was just a goal in it.
Late in the match, with the game on the line, all of the action was at the Lions’ end. But in the end, Melbourne managed to hang on for a six-point win and notch up its third win of the season – all at Casey Fields.
Paxman was Melbourne’s highest ball-winner with 24 touches, while O’Dea and Pearce finished with 23 disposals each. For the Lions, Lutkins had a game-high 28 possessions.
