MELBOURNE has continued its recent dominance over the Western Bulldogs, prevailing by eight points in the third annual AFL women's match at the MCG on Sunday.
The Demons were held goalless in the second and third terms, but managed to claim a hard-fought 4.13 (37) to 4.5 (29) win in a low-scoring affair.
Melbourne was led by onballer Kara Donnellan, who was named most valuable player with 23 touches (16 kicks, seven handballs), seven inside 50s and four tackles.
Demons forward Emma Swanson was influential in attack and laid a game-saving tackle in defence on Bulldog Emma Zielke in the dying moments.
Demon Cecilia McIntosh sustained a serious right knee injury in the first quarter while attempting to run for the ball and did not take any further part in the match.
Fellow teammate Ellie Blackburn hobbled off the ground after rolling her left ankle midway through in the final term.
MELBOURNE 3.3 3.8 3.11 4.13 (37)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.2 2.3 3.4 4.5 (29)
GOALS
Melbourne: Harris, Swanson, Bowers, Phillips
Western Bulldogs: Vescio, Hope 2
BEST
Melbourne: Donnellan, Swanson, Blackburn, Pearce, Blackburn, Bowers
Western Bulldogs: Brennan, Hope, Anderson, Hutchins, Vescio, Chiocci
INJURIES
Melbourne: McIntosh (knee), Blackburn (ankle)
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Demons edge out Dogs in women's match
The Bulldogs' women's team were narrowly defeated by eight points in the AFL Women's Match at the MCG.
