Tayla Harris kicked two targets and was at her wrecking-ball greatest as Melbourne posted a 14 level AFLW win over Essendon at Princes Park.
The Demons kicked the primary three targets of Friday evening’s match, together with two to Harris, on the way in which to a 5.6 (36) to three.4 (22) victory.
The early onslaught from Harris set the tone for the match.
However it was additionally her skill to crash packs and lay enormous tackles that ensured Melbourne gained the bodily edge over their opponents.
Harris completed with 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 303m gained, one aim help and two targets in a stand-out show at each ends of the sector.
Elizabeth McNamara (24 disposals) and Maeve Chaplin (24 disposals, 606m gained) had been additionally enormous for Melbourne, whereas Madison Prespakis led the way in which for Essendon with a game-high 29 disposals.
Harris performed just one recreation final season earlier than succumbing to a shoulder damage, and he or she’s loving being again out on the park, particularly with Melbourne (7-1) sitting fairly in second spot.
“Final season I wasn’t capable of play, so it is a privilege to be out right here. It is heaps of enjoyable taking part in footy,” Harris informed the Seven Community.
“There have been some moments within the recreation that we may be actually happy with from a hunt perspective and the stress ranking, that is what we chase each week.
“However there’s clearly room to enhance.”
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Essendon slipped to a 3-5 document, leaving its finals hopes on skinny ice.
Alarm bells had been ringing early for Essendon after Melbourne kicked two targets within the opening two minutes courtesy of sturdy marks to Harris and Georgia Gall.
Harris kicked her second aim halfway via the time period to make it 19-0, however Essendon’s former rugby star Grace Brooker pulled off an enormous deal with to kick her first aim and get the Bombers on the board.
Melbourne received the inside-50 depend 11-2 within the opening quarter, and took 4 marks inside 50m as Essendon’s defence floundered.
The Bombers put up extra resistance within the second quarter, however Melbourne nonetheless entered the half-time break with a 19-point lead.
Harris was an unstoppable power within the third quarter.
She cannoned into Essendon’s Amy Gaylor in a front-on collision that damage each gamers, and will doubtlessly land Harris in scorching water given there was excessive contact.
Moments later Harris received a free kick with an enormous deal with — solely to overlook her 30m set shot.
Melbourne’s lead prolonged to 25 factors early within the closing quarter, earlier than Essendon kicked the ultimate two targets of the match so as to add respectability to the scoreboard.
AAP
