MELBOURNE has bounced back from its first loss of the season, returning to winning ways with a strong 21-point victory over Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday afternoon. 

It was also a memorable afternoon for Paxy Paxman, as the 37-year-old celebrated her 100th AFLW game with a win, finishing with 20 disposals but unfortunately missing a set shot on goal in the final term that would have capped her milestone perfectly.

MAGPIES V DEMONS Full match details and stats

Demons forward Mia Austin did most of the damage early as Melbourne built a 19-point lead at the main break on the way to the 6.6 (42) to 2.9 (21) win.

The 22-year-old kicked all three of her goals before half-time and finished the match with 15 disposals and seven marks. It's the third time this season Austin has kicked at least three goals in a game. 

The Demons' class and ball movement separated the sides in the first half, with 26 uncontested marks to the Magpies' 11, and more efficient use of the ball.

Ash Centra kicked the first of Collingwood's goals, but Melbourne responded through Austin as the Demons continued to make the most of their opportunities in attack.

The Pies lifted their pressure in the third quarter and created more chances, but struggled to turn them into goals.

Centra was one of Collingwood's best despite the loss, posting career highs in both disposals and contested possessions. She finished with 30 disposals, along with seven clearances and five tackles.

Megan Fitzsimon was another strong contributor for the Magpies, finishing with 24 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances.

Other contributors for the Dees included Olivia Purcell, who collected a game-high 32 disposals and six tackles. Jordyn Allen also contributed with 15 disposals and four tackles.

Melbourne kept Collingwood at bay in the final term, with Tayla Harris adding a goal as the Demons closed out the 21-point win.

For the Pies, Eliza James joined Centra on the scoreboard, kicking Collingwood's second goal of the match.

The Pies struggled to convert their chances, but 25-year-old midfielder Tarni White was another bright spot, finishing with 28 disposals and six marks.

Melbourne also handed Aoife Horisk her AFLW debut, with the Irish recruit finishing her first game with six disposals, three marks and four tackles. 

Demons' defence stands confident
Collingwood lifted its pressure after half-time, but Melbourne's defence stood strong and prevented the Magpies from turning that momentum into a comeback. The Pies managed just two goals for the entire game, showing that the Demons' ability to limit their opponent's impact on the scoreboard was just as important as the early attacking work that built their lead.

Pies struggle to find enough contributors
Apart from Ashley Centra and fellow goalkicker Eliza James, Collingwood struggled to find enough players who could make an impact on the contest. Skipper Ruby Schleicher was unable to have her usual influence, while Sarah Rowe was also relatively quiet before a groin injury in the fourth quarter brought her afternoon to an early end. With too few contributors able to change the game, the Pies struggled to find a way back after Melbourne established its first-half advantage.

Up next
With this win in the bag Melbourne will turn its attention to Gold Coast in Round 9 as it looks to continue its push towards a top-four finish. Collingwood, meanwhile, will face St Kilda at RSEA Park, with the Magpies looking to bounce back and finish the season on a positive note.

More to come

Collingwood    0.2    1.4     2.7    2.9 (21)
Melbourne       1.4     4.5    5.5    6.6 (42)

GOALS
Collingwood: Centra, James 
Melbourne: Austin 3, Hanks, Gall, Harris

BEST
Collingwood: Centra, White, James, 
Melbourne: Hanks, Purcell, Austin, Fitzsimon

INJURIES
Collingwood: Rowe (groin)
Melbourne: Livingstone (TBC) 

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC AT Victoria Park