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Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce and vice-captains Elise O’Dea and Mel Hickey. Picture: Mark Stewart
MELBOURNE has been talked up this pre-season as the AFLW premiership favourites but will they live up to the hype in their opening round clash against GWS today?
The Demons were last year fancied to make the inaugural grand final but were shocked in Round 1 by underdogs Brisbane, as the Lions announced themselves as a flag threat before going on to finish minor premiers.
This year, Melbourne host last year’s wooden spooners GWS at Casey Fields, who are said to be on the rise after a thumping win over Brisbane in a practice match.
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The Giants have recruited well and boast former Magpie Alicia Eva as well as returning star Renee Forth after the marquee player missed last season with a torn ACL.
Gun midfielder Daisy Pearce isn’t buying into the hype.
“It’s a bit of a cliche, but we try not to pay too much attention to it,” Pearce said.
“I know we’ve improved, and you can feel that this group is in a different position to what it was 12 months ago — it’s like it’s a completely different team.
Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce and vice-captains Elise O’Dea and Mel Hickey. Picture: Mark StewartSource:News Corp Australia
“We’re well aware that every team would be feeling that exact same thing with the improvement that’s happened internally.
“The quality of players that we’ve been able to bring in and that experience (that we’ve developed) … we feel like we’ve improved and the way we finished off the season was really positive.
“We’d be silly to think that the other clubs weren’t thinking the same thing. You’ve just got to put in as much work as you can and hope that it’s enough.”
ANALYSIS: EXCITING AND TOUGH BUT SCORING STILL AN ISSUE
Tonight, Adelaide will unfurl its premiership flag at Norwood Oval before the grand final rematch against Brisbane.
The Crows are missing several premiership players but best and fairest winner Erin Phillips is set to play after officially retiring from basketball over the off-season to focus on football.
Phillips was dominant last year and says she’s fitter than she’s ever been heading into AFLW02.
“It’s been pretty unique because I haven’t played basketball in the off-season so I spent a lot of time working on my aerobic fitness which is never easy,” Phillips said.
Erin Phillips says she’s as fit as ever heading into the second AFLW season.Source:News Corp Australia
“But it’s been nice to have some downtime as well so there’s been plenty of time to freshen up after a big year.
“We’ve improved across the board with strength results, PBs in running and they happen with another season of experience.”
LAUREN WOOD and CHRIS CAVANAGH on what to expect from both matches.
MELBOURNE v GWS
THE HOOK: Melbourne has been highly-touted as a premiership chance, while Greater Western Sydney is looking for a much bigger season after just one win last year. Both have plenty to prove, even if it is only Round 1.
BOOM OR BUST: The Demons’ midfield has been further boosted with Mel Hickey set to spend more time in the middle, but will it work? Plenty of stars in there but working together will be key.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: A prime start. Dropping the first game of last season to Brisbane at this ground cost the Demons — they’ll be sure to come out firing to ensure their season gets off to a winning beginning.
ADELAIDE v BRISBANE LIONS
THE HOOK: Bring on the 2017 Grand Final rematch. Adelaide got the chocolates last time by six points to make history as the first AFLW premiers. Can the Lions turn the tables?
BOOM OR BUST: Crows co-captain Erin Phillips did it all last season, winning a premiership, the league best and fairest and the MVP. Can she reach such heights again? After retiring from basketball over the off-season to focus on football, we’re tipping she can.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: Aside from bragging rights, probably flag favouritism. If the Crows get off to a flyer, the odds will be wound in for them to go back-to-back. Likewise, victory for the Lions would be a huge early scalp.
MATCH DETAILS
MELBOURNE v GWS GIANTS
Where: Casey Fields
Time: 5.05pm EDT
Live coverage: From 4.30pm
TV: Foxtel
ADELAIDE v BRISBANE LIONS
Where: Norwood Oval
Time: 6.45pm CDT
TV: Channel 7
Originally published as Will Dees live up to flag favourite hype?
