3 minute read
Melbourne are confident of handling a busy travel schedule as they jostle for the finals places in AFLW Conference B.
Melbourne are confident a busy travel schedule won't stand in the way of their bid to make their first AFLW finals series.
Following Sunday's 59-point win over West Coast, the Demons sit second in Conference B but over the next two weeks, will face third-placed Carlton in Alice Springs, then Fremantle away.
In 2018, the Demons lost to the Dockers in WA, then lost to Collingwood in Alice Springs, harming their finals hopes - an experience coach Mick Stinear said they'd learned from.
"I think we've learned from previous years as well," he said.
"The draw's been pretty good to us, we haven't had to travel until this upcoming week, so I think we'll be up there on Friday before we play on Saturday night.
"But it's more just trying to keep it as similar as what a normal week would be back here and then just give the girls the best opportunity to play, not trying to cram too much in.
"I think last year we had good success when we travelled, it was the year before where we underperformed."
With three rounds to play, both conferences remain exceptionally tight.
The Demons conceded just seven points in a dominant win over the Eagles, with Karen Paxman and Eden Zanker among their best performers.
On Sunday evening, Fremantle accounted for Brisbane by 18 points to go outright top of Conference B.
The Dockers' Sabreena Duffy booted four goals while Ashley Sharp kicked two and Kiara Bowers had 22 touches.
Emily Bates (28 touches) and Ally Anderson (25) were busy for the Lions while Jessica Wuetschner kicked two goals.
Earlier on Sunday, Collingwood comfortably accounted for Western Bulldogs in Morwell.
Chloe Molloy turned in a dominant performance up front, booting four goals to lead the Magpies to a 32-point victory, while Bri Davey (30 disposals) was outstanding.
On Saturday night, Carlton shook off a dogged St Kilda to prevail by 21 points at Ikon Park.
Sarah Hosking kicked two goals while youngster Maddy Prespakis (26 disposals) and co-captain Kerryn Harrington (21 touches, eight marks) were among the Blues' best.
Young gun Caitlin Greiser booted two majors for the Saints.
Cora Staunton led the way as GWS thumped Richmond by 45 points in Wagga Wagga.
The Irishwoman made a remarkable return this season from breaking her right tibia and fibula and booted a matchwinning four goals in the Giants' highest-ever score and biggest ever win in the AFLW.
Richmond were without skipper Katie Brennan (concussion) and remain winless after five rounds.
Earlier that day, North Melbourne thumped Adelaide by 42 points to go top of Conference A.
Kaitlyn Ashmore booted four goals while Emma Kearney (26 disposals), Jenna Bruton (25) and Jasmine Garner (24, two goals) dominated through the midfield against Adelaide, who were without Erin Phillips (knee soreness).
Ebony Marinoff (26 touches) was the Crows' best.
On Friday night, Geelong recorded their second-straight win with a 20-point triumph over Gold Coast in Mackay.
Young gun Nina Morrison starred for the Cats with 22 touches, while Phoebe McWilliams booted two goals.
Jamie Stanton (23 touches, one goal) was prominent for Gold Coast.