Two more debutants
Melbourne’s debutant count is up to eight in 2020, with Sarah Perkins and Brenna Tarrant pulling on the guernsey for the first time on Sunday.
Tarrant was drafted with pick No.72 over the off-season and hasn’t had to wait long to play on the AFLW stage, while Perkins’ story is as unique as they come, returning to the top level as an injury replacement player.
We love these moments. ?
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) March 8, 2020
Brenna Tarrant + Sarah Perkins receive their red + blue guernseys. #GoDees pic.twitter.com/vtbORWZKbd
Fairy-tale finish
Perkins, who played 17 games across her three seasons with the Crows, wasn’t on an AFLW list in 2020.
But due to an extreme amount of injuries at Melbourne, she was asked down to the club as a train-on player.
Just weeks later, an opportunity arose, and Perkins was able to strut her stuff on Casey Fields, sealing the 59-point win with a goal after the siren.
Perkins slots it on the final siren ??#AFL pic.twitter.com/k308WZXiFI
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 8, 2020
Macca slots her first
Niamh McEvoy has shown enormous growth in each of her four AFLW matches, saving her best one yet for the clash with the Eagles.
The Irish recruit had 14 disposals and slotted her first career goal, thanks to a handball from close friend Sinead Goldrick.
Sinead Goldrick and Niamh McEvoy combine from the contest ??#AFLWDeesEagles pic.twitter.com/SwXDio4cN1
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) March 8, 2020
A big third term
With the game in the balance at half-time, the Dees blew out their 11-point lead with five unanswered goals in the third term.
They used the wind to their advantage, dominating out of the middle and putting the Eagles’ defence under constant pressure for 15 minutes of play.
It was an impressive performance by the Demons who went on a stunning run with eight consecutive majors to finish the match.
Melbourne start the second half with a bang ??
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 8, 2020
Stream #AFLW: https://t.co/mM2FhulF83 pic.twitter.com/y4eBHErdd4
Strong in defence
West Coast managed just two scores on the weekend, which is reflective of Melbourne’s strong defence this year.
The Dees have conceded just 84 points in the first five rounds of the season – 32 points less than any other side in the league.
Melbourne's defensive pressure ??#AFLW pic.twitter.com/VNIuDap1ae
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 8, 2020
Paxy stars again
Melbourne’s 2019 Best and Fairest winner has picked up where she left off last season.
Karen Paxman is averaging 20 disposals per game, and starred again on Sunday with a best on ground performance, as voted by the coaches.
Another game, another BOG performance by Paxy. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/VrHauKA2cH
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) March 8, 2020
Cooper’s appearance
Libby Birch impressed in defence, but it was her post-game antics that turned fans’ heads.
The Demon brought her new puppy Cooper onto the field, as the Groodle stole the spotlight during the team’s celebrations.
Okay, we can't deal. ????@LibbyBirch18 + her pup Cooper providing the BEST post-match content. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/fUySCHTXiP
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) March 8, 2020
A signing session to finish
On International Women’s Day, the girls hung around after the final siren to sign autographs and mingle with their fans.
A win, followed by a signing session. ???
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) March 8, 2020
Thanks to all the Dees fans who joined us today at Casey Fields! #GoDees pic.twitter.com/h5HCmiuec5
Taylor Swift > Katy Perry
While Katy Perry was performing at the MCG, Ainslie Kemp and Lauren Pearce gave their best Taylor Swift impersonations in the rooms pre-game.
The injured duo’s spirits were still high, lightening the mood for their teammates prior to the bounce.
Katy Perry wasn't the only ?? in town yesterday. ??
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) March 9, 2020
Cue T-Swift in the rooms pre-game. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/KiGKF9z8H1
Coming up
A big trip to the Northern Territory awaits for the Demons, as they take on Carlton at TIO Traeger Park on Saturday night.
This match-up will allow one team to go a game clear inside the top two of Conference B, with just two games remaining after this weekend.
A thumping win for the Dees ??#AFLW pic.twitter.com/1TIwpWKDdV
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 8, 2020