AFL
TEAM: AAMI Community Series v WCE

Melbourne has defeated fellow flag hopeful Fremantle by 88 points at Optus Stadium on Saturday evening.

Fremantle were dealt a massive blow before the game even started, with star trio Kara Antonio, Ebony Antonio and Emma O’Driscoll ruled out through the League’s health and safety protocols.

Three late outs, top-up player added and defender to debut

But the Demons were ruthless in the 16.11 (107) to 3.1 (19) contest, running hard and moving the ball with speed as they became the first AFLW team to score more than 100 points.

Fremantle’s Makaela Tuhakaraina kicked the first goal of the game, but it was all Melbourne from that point onwards.

00:11

Tuks crumbs and goals!

Makaela Tuhakaraina crumbs and snaps through the first major of the game

Veteran Dee Daisy Pearce booted five goals, while midfielder Lily Mithen was everywhere, amassing 25 touches.

A rare bright spot for Fremantle came in the form of a goal from debutant Maggie MacLachlan, while captain Hayley Miller tried hard all game, and had reward for effort in the shape of a goal in the fourth quarter.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Maggie Maclachlan of the Dockers celebrates a goal with Ann McMahon, Gemma Houghton and Mikayla Hyde during the round nine AFLW match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on March 05, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Fremantle captain Hayley Miller battled exceptionally hard all day, kicking a goal and ending the game with nine tackles and a team-high 22 disposals. 

Late drama 
Fremantle were already without important midfielder Gabby O'Sullivan and young forward Amy Franklin due to health and safety protocols when they had to make three big changes an hour before the opening siren. Emma O'Driscoll and both Ebony and Kara Antonio were withdrawn through said protocols, leaving coach Trent Cooper to call in both emergencies Ann McMahon and Maggie Maclachlan, while also giving top-up player Mikayla Western the call up. Fremantle ended up with three debutants for the game—Maclachlan, Western and ruck Sarah Wielstra—to take their tally to 11 for the season to date. 

What's next? 
Fremantle will lick its wounds and finish up its home and away season at Fremantle Oval against the Suns, while Melbourne return home to Casey Fields to take on Carlton.

FREMANTLE                1.0     1.1     1.1      3.1        (19)  
MELBOURNE               3.0     6.5     13.6    16.11     (107)  

GOALS  
Fremantle: Tuhakaraina, Miller, Maclachlan 
Melbourne: D. Pearce 5, Harris 3, Hore 3, Paxman 2, Scott, Bannan, Sherrif

BEST   
Fremantle: Miller, East, Verrier, Tighe 
Melbourne: Hanks, D. Pearce, Bannan, Mithen, Paxman 

INJURIES   
Fremantle: Sergeant (head knock) 
Melbourne: Zanker (quad tightness) 

LATE CHANGES 
Fremantle: E. Antonio, K. Antonio and O'Driscoll (Health and Safety Protocols) replaced in the side with McMahon, MacLachlan & Western
Melbourne: Nil 

Reports: Nil  

Crowd: 2717 at Optus Stadium