MELBOURNE has secured back-to-back wins over the Western Bulldogs, prevailing by four points in the second AFL women's exhibition match this year on Sunday.
The Demons led at every change at Etihad Stadium to secure a 6.4 (40) to 5.6 (36) victory, claiming their fourth successive win over the Bulldogs since the exhibition matches began in 2013.
Melbourne was led by captain Daisy Pearce, who was awarded the most valuable player medal for the second time after collecting a match-high 30 disposals, seven clearances, five marks and four inside 50s.
Pearce set up the first goal of the match after delivering a pinpoint pass to English-born Jamaican Sabrina Frederick-Traub, who took a strong mark and calmly converted the set shot from 40m out directly in front.
Frederick-Traub, the Demons' No.4 selection in last month's mini-draft, was the focal point in attack, kicking three of their first four goals.
For the Bulldogs, half-forward Katie Brennan (12 disposals) led the goalkicking with four majors, while Meg Hutchins (11 disposals) stood tall in a defence under constant pressure, taking three intercept marks across half-back in the first quarter.
The courageous defender received a deep cut on her cheek following an accidental head knock with Pearce in the second term, but returned to the field after half-time.
The Bulldogs' first goal of the game came at the 16-minute mark of the second term courtesy of a snap from Brennan.
Dogs midfielder Katie Loynes competed well in the air and at ground level, accumulating a team-high 18 possessions, seven tackles and five clearances.
Loynes was well complemented by Kaitlyn Ashmore (16 disposals) and Jessica Wuetschner (14), but skipper Stephanie Chiocci was kept quiet with four touches.
Demon Emma Swanson evades a tackle during Sunday's win against the Dogs. Picture: AFL Media
Demons onballer Ellie Blackburn brought her teammates into the game and looked composed with 17 disposals, nine tackles, seven entries inside 50 and six marks.
Basketballer-turned-footballer Ebony-Rose Antonio (15 disposals) generated plenty of drive and helped the Demons open up a 19-point half-time lead, with Elise O'Dea (12) and Chelsea Randall (12) also making good decisions.
Bulldogs utility Brianna Davey made her much-anticipated debut for the club after recently missing out on a spot as goalkeeper of the Matildas squad for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
The code-hopping youngster, who was selected with pick No.1 in last month's mini-draft, had eight touches and took a strong defensive mark in the final quarter in a promising display.
The final siren sounded 90 seconds before the 20-minute mark had elapsed due to contractual obligations with the Western Bulldogs-Melbourne AFL game.
Bulldog Meg Hutchins tries to burst through a pack of Demons. Picture: AFL Media
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.2 2.2 4.4 5.6 (36)
MELBOURNE 2.2 5.3 6.3 6.4 (40)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Brennan 4, Hope
Melbourne: Frederick-Traub 3, Harris, Randall, Bentley
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Brennan, Loynes, Ashmore, Hutchins, Wuetschner
Melbourne: Pearce, Blackburn, Frederick-Traub, Antonio, Randall
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Humphries (concussion), O'Connor (calf)
Melbourne: Nil
