Injuries bite as Melbourne beat Brisbane, Port Adelaide snatch GWS win

Melbourne have steamed past an injury-ravaged Brisbane by 56 points to claim a perfect 3-0 start to the AFLW season.

Elsewhere, Port Adelaide lost star forward Indy Tahau to a suspected serious knee injury, overshadowing a thrilling four-point win over GWS in Canberra.

Brisbane grabbed the first goal but the Demons were unstoppable from there, kicking the next 12 and going on to hand the Lions their heaviest AFLW defeat, a 14.5 (89) to 4.9 (33) shellacking at Casey Fields.

Tom Wilson’s Melbourne loom as one of few teams who can genuinely challenge two-time reigning premiers North Melbourne after an ominous performance.

Liv Purcell (31 disposals) continued her magnificent form along with Tyla Hanks (24 disposals, eight tackles and a goal) while Kate Hore (24) was prolific and Tahlia Gillard (11 intercepts) led an impressive defence.

Ryleigh Wotherspoon (three goals, eight tackles), Georgia Gall (two), Mia Austin (two) and Megan Fitzsimon (two) hit the scoreboard.

Lions Marlow Graham (concussion) and Neesa Dooley (collarbone) were both hurt in the first quarter.

Then Belle Dawes (right shoulder) and Ruby Svarc (concussion) were worse for wear after colliding with each other.

Dawes played through pain and finished with 24 disposals and a goal, while Orla O’Dwyer (21) was strong.

Sophie Conway (left knee) and Eleanor Hartill (foot) also played through issues.

Tahau, who previously tore her left ACL, was helped off with a right knee injury late in the third quarter of Port Adelaide’s 7.10 (52) to 8.0 (48) victory at Manuka Oval.

“It’s difficult. Indy’s such a great player for us. Obviously she’s still being assessed and we hope for the best,” coach Glenn Strachan told Fox Sports.

It was a tight contest all day and Port led by nine at three-quarter time before Brodee Mowbray goaled twice to put GWS in front.

GWS led until the death, when Port’s Matilda Scholz took a terrific intercept mark to create a late attack that ended with Lauren Young marking and kicking the winner with seconds left.