Second win for Demons’ Gum

Led by captain Daisy Pearce, Melbourne was in front at every change and held the Bulldogs scoreless in the final term to record back-to-back wins in the annual match, 10.12 (72) to 4.2 (26).

Melbourne’s forward line was far too strong for the undersized Bulldogs’ defence, with Queensland teenager Tayla Harris kicking three goals.

West Australian Kirby Bentley and Victorian Meg Hutchins also booted two goals each for the Demons, with the Bulldogs unable to contain the attacking trio.

The Bulldogs made sure it was a tight after half-time and they won the third quarter, conceding just 0.3 to 1.0 with their pressure going up a notch.

Victorian Aasta O’Connor was their best player, toiling hard in the ruck and finishing with 24 possessions, 11 marks and 36 hit-outs, also pushing hard into defence.

Moana Hope kicked three of the Dogs’ four goals, providing a highlight in the third quarter when she crumbed with clean hands and snapped brilliantly.

Emma Kearney also stood out for the Dogs, working hard with a number of gut-busting runs through the midfield, while forward Katie Brennan presented well all day.

Both sides were committed and impressed with their skills, with Harris kicking her third goal for the Demons after a brilliant mark in the final term.

Melbourne controlled possession in the first half and led by 18 points at quarter time.
Harris booted back-to-back goals in the second term as the Demons extended their lead to 29 points, but wasteful kicking in front of goal cost them an even bigger buffer.

Speaking before the match, Sydney based player Courtney Gum spoke about her second game with the Demons.

Taken at pick 25 in the first ever National Female Draft by the Melbourne Demons, Gum is noted for her ball-winning ability, both on the ground and in the air, as well as her uncanny ability to read the flow of play.

Hailing from UNSW/ES Bulldogs, Gum was retained in 2014 by Melbourne following an outstanding 2013 season.

“I am really looking forward to playing against Australia’s best female AFL talent,” said Gum.

“It is really exciting to be playing on such a big stage at Etihad as a curtain raiser for an AFL match.

“For me personally it is good to have had the experience of last year as I know what to expect.”

MELBOURNE            4.2   7.7   7.10   10.12 (72)
WESTERN BULLDOGS        1.2   3.2   4.2   4.2 (26)

GOALS
Melbourne: Harris 3, Randall 2, Bentley 2, Gibson 2, Dunn
Western Bulldogs: Hope 3, O’Dea

BEST
Melbourne: Randall, Blackburn, Forch, Pearce, Bowers, Harris  
Western Bulldogs: O’Connor, Kearney, Brennan, Hope, Paxman, Spark     

Official crowd: 5500