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With the backdrop of their newly unfurled 2022 premiership flag, Melbourne was quick to remind the competition of exactly why they’re reigning champions.
The Demons defeated Collingwood by 42 points at Ikon Park in the opening match of the 2023 AFLWeason — their tall forwards unstoppable, booting 10 goals and keeping the Magpies goalless after half time.
Despite a slow start which saw them trail by two points at the first break and then seven points at hal ftime, Melbourne’s three-pronged forward line buried Collingwood with a stellar third-quarter effort.
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The Demons took hold of the game after the main break, booting five goals from a massive 12 inside 50s.
The charge to victory was led by the Demons’ key forwards, with Alyssa Bannan (three goals), Eden Zaker (two goals), and Shelley Heath (two goals), combining to kick off their side’s premiership defence.
Bannan spoke post-match, crediting her side’s ability to repeatedly move the ball rapidly into the forward line to shut down the Magpies’ ferocious game style.
“I’m very appreciative that I was able to finish off all [of the team’s] hard work,” Bannan told Fox Footy.
“We already knew that Collingwood was going to be such a fierce, competitive team. Them coming out as hard as they did wasn’t a huge surprise, just because of how talented they all are.
“It was about going in and at half time just to reset back to our basics and play our brand of footy.”
As for Bannan’s individual performance, the premiership forward continually draws on her athletics background to improve her game each week.
“I grew up doing athletics … before choosing football when I was 16 or 17, so I guess having that athletics background has helped me so much with my footy, with my speed and ability to jump and launch at the footy,” Bannan said.
Demon Eliza McNamara made her return after a heartbreaking ACL injury that ruled her out of last year’s premiership side. She collected a neat 22 disposals to cap off her comeback.
As for the Pies, Brianna Davey was scintillating, notching up 35 touches.
Melbourne will next face the GWS, while Collingwood will take on Fremantle.
