Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Melbourne midfielder Olivia Purcell delivered a serious reminder of both her talent and importance to the Demons’ line-up with a best-on-ground showing against the Hawks on Thursday night in her first AFLW game in almost 12 months.
Purcell went down with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in round two last season and worked tirelessly to get back in time for this year’s season opener for the Dees. She finished the clash with 32 disposals, nine tackles and 354 metres gained as Melbourne overcame a spirited Hawthorn by 19 points, 9.6 (60) to 6.5 (41).
New Demons coach Tom Wilson was quick to point out what the premiership-winning midfielder meant to his side in their 19-point win.
“It speaks to her ability and the work she has put in place,” Wilson said.
Olivia Purcell made up for lost time and Kate Hore showed she is still one of the AFLW’s elite players as they guided Melbourne to a first-up 19-point win over Hawthorn on Thursday night.
Purcell played her first game since injuring her knee early last season and the onballer shone throughout the night, posting 32 disposals and 354 metres gained while Hore dominated the first half and finished with 22 disposals and nine score involvements.
Former Blue Mia Austin also starred in her first proper outing with the Demons, kicking four goals and looking equally adept on the lead or creating goals from open play.
The Hawks recovered well from a horror start, going four goals down before taking the lead via Aine McDonagh (three goals) late in the third term. The Irish star formed an impressive partnership with former Gold Coast key forward Jacqui Dupuy, who finished with nine marks and a goal.
But with scores tied heading into the last quarter, it was all the Demons, who kicked three quick goals to secure the win.
Demons ruck Jacinta Hose went off with an ankle injury in her first game after multiple injury battles.
The Dees have gone three goals ahead as Shelley Heath found the ball in space and snapped a goal that should take her side to the win.
A huge start to the final term from the Dees has shown who the better side really is, but the Hawks still have a chance.
Dees 59, Hawks 41 with six mins to play.
Now Eliza McNamara has run around and snapped another goal, just moments after Mia Austin’s fourth goal.
The Dees now lead by two goals. It’s time to get going, Hawks.
Dees 53, Hawks 41 with 13 mins to go.
Make that four goals for Mia Austin who has been brilliant for the Dees tonight.
Her Demons teammates were quick to get to her after her goal, as well. They know they needed a big play to start this last term.
Dees 47, Hawks 41 with 15 mins to go.
It’s all locked up going into the last term.
This should be a stellar finish.
Aine McDonagh has pulled in a strong mark and booted her third goal as the Hawks take the lead.
She is a match winner and Jac Dupuy’s set-up work from the half-forward line has been so helpful for her Irish teammate.
The Hawks are doing a super job of keeping the ball locked in their forward half.
Hawks 41, Dees 40 with seven mins to go in Q3.
