A BRILLIANT goalkicking display by Jessica Cameron was the highlight of Melbourne's rampaging victory against the Brisbane Lions in the AFL women’s exhibition match at the MCG on Sunday.
Cameron bagged six with her strong marking and accurate set-shots in the 71-point win, 14.7 (91) to 3.2 (20).
It was the perfect sporting double for the hard-hitting batsman, who previously cleared the MCG fence with one gigantic swipe in a T20 match.
"I hit a six straight down the ground and I was pretty impressed with that,'' Cameron said.
"Obviously, I'm playing at the pinnacle of the AFL at the moment and I'm pretty lucky with where I've been and what I've got to see."
The former Australian cricketer's sure hands and ability on either foot emphasised the depth of the talent pool in the Victorian academy for next season's inaugural AFL national women's league.
The Demons were dominant in most positions against the Queensland team.
Danielle Hardiman was a rock in Melbourne's defence. The game was already in safe keeping when she limped off with a left knee injury in the last quarter.
Demons midfielders Ellie Blackburn, with 25 touches, and Jessica Hosking (22) were prolific possession-winners across the midfield as the links for the rebounds out of defence and to feed the several forward options, led by Cameron.
Melbourne put the contest out of reach with a dominant first half to lead by 47 points at the main break.
The Demons' system was superior, with a more direct approach down the centre corridor leading to an open forward set-up.
Three goals from Cameron and two from Maddie Boyd in a six-goal first quarter helped the Demons establish early control in never relinquished in what became a lopsided contest.
Melbourne had marking options up forward with Cameron, Boyd and Ainslie Kemp and the fast, direct plan allowed them to compete one-out with opponents.
It was midway through the second quarter before the Lions finally got on the scoreboard when Shaliese Law kicked a goal on the run. But the Demons already led by more than 40 points.
MELBOURNE 6.4 8.5 10.7 14.7 (91)
BRISBANE LIONS 0.0 1.0 1.1 3.2 (20)
Goals
Melbourne: Cameron 6, Boyd 3, Eva, Foley, Kemp, D Pearce, L Pearce
Brisbane Lions: McCarthy 2, Law
Best
Melbourne: Cameron, Blackburn, Hardiman, Hosking, Lockland, D Pearce, Boyd
Brisbane Lions: Hunt, Virgo, Zieke, Anderson
