Parry’s dream start
Jackie Parry pulled on the red and blue for the first time on Friday night, receiving her guernsey from Kate Hore in the rooms pre-game.
The 23-year-old, who had missed the early part of the season with a hamstring injury, got her debut off to the dream start with the opening goal of the game.
Those pre-debut moments. ??
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) February 29, 2020
Jackie Parry prepares for her first game in the red + blue. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/qB8j0pThWG
Hitting the scoreboard
After kicking just one goal against the Saints the week prior, Melbourne was far more efficient up forward at Marvel Stadium.
The Dees looked dangerous inside 50, slotting seven majors from their 30 forward entries to run away 20-point winners.
Kate Hore "with a shimmy of the hips" ??#AFLWPiesDees pic.twitter.com/Kp5EFrNoF4
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 28, 2020
The midfield battle
Collingwood’s midfield is as strong as any in the competition, with Brianna Davey, Jamie Lambert and Brittany Bonnici all performing on Friday night, but Melbourne’s on-ball brigade held its own.
Karen Paxman was the star once again with 24 touches, as the Demons moved the ball quickly through the centre of the ground to create scoring opportunities.
Maddi Gay goes clunk in the square, and seals it ??#AFLWPiesDees pic.twitter.com/te7aDx7ApW
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 28, 2020
Dees’ youngsters impress
The Dees’ strong start to 2020 has been on the back of the growth of some young stars.
Casey Sherriff’s development in just four games has been outstanding, playing her best game to date against the Pies with 12 disposals and a goal.
Former No.6 draft pick Tyla Hanks has been equally as impressive, chipping in with 15 touches and five tackles.
The Dees' hands are good, and Sherriff gets her first ??#AFLWPiesDees pic.twitter.com/zFOWCGMfjW
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 28, 2020
Lauren Pearce returns
It was a welcome sight for Melbourne fans as Laruen Pearce made her return to the field following knee surgery in December.
While the 27-year-old managed her workload throughout the game, she had 11 disposals and was influential in the ruck, proving why she’s one of the side’s most important players.
Loz is back. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/sepuDBDu8c
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) February 28, 2020
All for a good cause
It was a special occasion at Marvel Stadium, with the double-header raising funds for Australia’s bushfire crisis.
The Demons were privileged to play on the night, and lined up for the National Anthem alongside the All Stars ahead of the State of Origin clash.
Tonight was about more than just the four points.
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) February 28, 2020
To everyone affected by the bushfire crisis, we’re with you. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/TZkv7WXgme
Coming up
Melbourne’s focus now turns to the Eagles, who it will take on at Casey Fields next Sunday afternoon.
Currently sitting second in Conference B, the Dees will be looking to secure another four points to keep them inside the top three.
An important win on the big stage. ??
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) February 28, 2020
Elise O’Dea reviews tonight’s victory over the Pies. #GoDees pic.twitter.com/hmqU4ZaiWV
