Paxman stars as Dees belt Bombers in AFLW

Shayne Hope | October 23, 2022

Melbourne’s charge towards the AFLW finals has continued in a Karen Paxman-inspired 41-point thumping of Essendon.

Paxman had 24 disposals and Kate Hore kicked three goals as the Demons posted a convincing 7.8 (50) to 1.3 (9) victory at Casey Fields on Sunday.

It was the Dees’ fifth consecutive win and kept them within touching distance of ladder leaders Brisbane, with only percentage points separating the two with one home-and-away round left.

Another win over lowly West Coast on Saturday could be enough for Melbourne to overtake the Lions – who host Collingwood on Friday night – and snare the minor premiership.

The tight finish follows another strong defensive showing from the Demons, who have held opponents to an average of 14.2 points per game in the past five weeks.

“To have three weeks in a row where we’ve kept the opposition to one goal has been a great effort for this side,” Melbourne coach Mick Stinear said.

“Team defence is something we keep working on.

“If we keep our head down focusing on being in the moment and playing with good spirit, we’re confident the outcomes will take care of themselves.”

Essendon star Madison Prespakis tried to lift her side and had 16 first-half disposals but was restricted by Shelley Heath after the main break.

Melbourne had plenty of contributors. Hore was dangerous throughout and Paxman starred from the outset, finishing with one goal and six tackles.

The veteran led a midfield unit that was also well served by Olivia Purcell (23 disposals), Tyla Hanks (19) and Eliza West (15).

Libby Birch stood tall as part of a back six that didn’t have a lot of work to do, while Alyssa Bannan kicked two goals.

Essendon captain Bonnie Toogood worked hard at both ends of the ground and Catherine Phillips kicked their only goal.

“Melbourne are a fantastic outfit, one of the premiership favourites, and it was a tough game for us,” Bombers coach Natalie Wood said.

“We came out with a system and I thought our players really implemented that to a degree.

“Our intent with it was good but our ability to execute that as the play rolled out and being able to combat Melbourne’s run-and-carry was challenge.”

Essendon are out of finals contention but will look to end their debut season on a high against fellow expansion side Port Adelaide on Sunday.