Dees deliver Lions' greatest AFLW defeat, Port star's cruel injury blow

Melbourne's formidable Melbourne Demons delivered an overwhelming 56-point victory over Brisbane Lions, securing a perfect 3-0 start to the AFLW season at Casey Fields. For Port Adelaide, star forward Indy Tahau suffered a suspected serious knee injury, casting a shadow over their narrow four-point win against GWS in Canberra. Brisbane took the first score but the Demons dominated, kicking the next 12 goals and inflicting the Lions' heaviest AFLW defeat, 89 to 33.

Liv Purcell led the charge with 31 disposals, supported by Tyla Hanks, Kate Hore, and Tahlia Gillard. The Lions' Marlow Graham and Neesa Dooley were sidelined with concussion and collarbone injuries respectively, while Belle Dawes and Ruby Svarc were hampered by shoulder and concussion issues. Despite the incident, Dawes and Orla O Dwyer were strong performers.

Sophie Conway and Eleanor Hartill also battled through injuries. Port Adelaide's Tahau was taken off with a right knee injury late in the third quarter. Despite the tight contest, Port led at the quarter mark before Brodee Mowbray's two goals put GWS in the lead. GWS, however, fell behind in the final quarter, and Port's Matilda Scholz sealed the win with a crucial intercept mark and Lauren Young's late goal.

Scholz contributed 30 hit-outs and 24 disposals, while Piper Window kicked three goals. Alyce Parker contributed 21 disposals for GWS.