Adelaide has suffered an 18-point defeat at the hands of Melbourne in the Round One clash at Glenelg Oval on Saturday night.
A mere 139 days since they squared off in the season six AFLW Grand Final at Adelaide Oval, the Demons gained a small slice of revenge with an impressive 18-point victory – 6.8 (44) to 4.2 (26) - against the Crows at ACH Group Stadium in Glenelg on Friday night.
The Demons held off a resolute Crows outfit in a hectic and pressure-filled contest befitting of the occasion, with midfielder Eliza West, veteran Karen Paxman, Olivia Purcell and gun forward Tayla Harris outstanding for the Dees.
All-Australian onballer Anne Hatchard was tenacious in her 50th game for the Crows with her relentless running, aggression and willingness to hunt the ball, while sharpshooter Ashleigh Woodland kicked three of her side’s four goals.
The Crows can hold their heads high, showing they will be a force to be reckoned with despite the loss of superstar Erin Phillips, Angela Foley and Justin Mules to expansion side Port Adelaide.
It took just two minutes for last season’s leading goalkicker, Woodland, to open her account for the new campaign with an easy goal from the goalsquare.
The Demons hit back through a snap goal to Kate Hore before the game developed into a true scrap.
Harris imposed herself on the game with her physicality before following up with a brilliant 45m goal to give the visitors a handy 10-point lead – 2.5 (17) to 1.1 (7) - at the main break.
Woodland kicked her third early in the second half before goals to Tyla Hanks and Daisy Pearce gave the Demons some breathing room.
Crows goalsneak Danielle Ponter gave her side a sniff with a goal early in the last quarter.
But goals to Eden Zanker and Paxman sealed the victory for the Demons to ensure they start their season on a winning note.
ADELAIDE 1.0 1.1 3.1 4.2 (26)
MELBOURNE 1.4 2.5 4.6 6.8 (44)
GOALS
Adelaide: Woodland 3, Ponter
Melbourne: Hore, Harris, Hanks, Pearce, Zanker, Paxman
BEST
Adelaide: Hatchard, Randall, Woodland, Thompson, Biddell, Newman
Melbourne: West, Paxman, Purcell, Harris, Hore, Lampard
INJURIES
Adelaide: TBC
Melbourne: TBC
LATE CHANGES
Adelaide: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil