Melbourne hangs on to edge Kangaroos by two factors in tense AFLW encounter

Melbourne has held on to beat North Melbourne by simply two factors on the MCG and keep its unbeaten begin to the AFLW season.

The Demons regarded set to rue their wasteful ending on Friday evening, which included being held goalless within the first and third quarters, when Emma King toe-poked the Kangaroos in entrance late within the remaining time period.

However younger gun Alyssa Bannan struck to revive Melbourne’s lead and ship a 3.8 (26) to 4.0 (24) victory.

Skipper Daisy Pearce booted two objectives, whereas Olivia Purcell (22 disposals), Tyla Hanks (23) and Karen Paxman (18) all had loads of the ball for the Demons.

Kangaroos mainstays Jasmine Garner (22 disposals, 10 clearances), Ashleigh Riddell (26 disposals, eight tackles) and Jenna Bruton (17 disposals) have been sometimes busy across the floor and Kim Rennie held her personal within the ruck.

The Demons had early territory however did little with it and the Kangaroos quickly made them pay.

Tahlia Randall took a towering contested mark and teed up King to kick the Kangaroos’ first aim.

The Kangaroos took the ascendancy for the remainder of the quarter however have been unable so as to add to their lead, albeit whereas retaining the Demons goalless.

Pearce’s quick-fire brace at the beginning of the second time period turned the match on its head, giving Melbourne a 10-point lead at half-time.

Dependable Demon Maddy Homosexual limped off early within the third time period, though she later returned and shortly after the Kangaroos pulled the match again into an arm wrestle.

Amy Smith pounced on a free Melbourne kick out of defence and coolly goaled on the run to chop the deficit to a lone main on the remaining change.

North Melbourne livewire Ellie Gavalas sneaked the opening aim of the ultimate quarter to arrange a grandstand end and when King snagged her second within the aim sq., the Kangaroos appeared set for an unlikely victory.

However Eliza West burst her approach ahead and noticed up Bannan, who — with a defender on her tail — pulled off an athletic snap to snare victory.

AAP