Melbourne secure AFLW finals spot with dominant win over Richmond

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 13:33 · Archive

Melbourne have secured a spot in the AFLW finals series after defeating Richmond 14.10 (94) to 5.2 (32) in Pride Round on Friday night. The victory marked a return to form for the Demons after their first-ever AFLW loss to Gold Coast the previous week. Coach Tom Wilson said the team had identified the need to improve their contest work around the ball following that defeat. "Contest is going to be really important," Wilson said.

The Demons dominated the centre contests through Olivia Purcell and Tyla Hanks, each recording more than 30 disposals with a combined 13 clearances. Richmond's returning midfielder Monique Conti, playing for the first time since an Achilles injury in round three, won the centre clearance early but could not stem the flow. Ryleigh Wotherspoon kicked four goals for Melbourne. The Demons' dominance resulted in 47 inside-50s to Richmond's 18, creating a long night for the Tigers' defence.

Melbourne may face the finals series without lead goal kicker Mia Austin, who has undergone throat surgery and does not yet have a set return date.

How it is being reported

• 'Pretty unstoppable': Demons secure finals footballMelbourne have bounced back into form to take down the Tigers and put themselves in a strong position as finals football approaches.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 13:03
• 'Pretty unstoppable': Demons secure finals footballMelbourne have bounced back into form to take down the Tigers and put themselves in a strong position as finals football approaches.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 13:03

In this story: Melbourne · Richmond · Tom Wilson · Olivia Purcell · Tyla Hanks · Ryleigh Wotherspoon · Mia Austin · Monique Conti

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem