Melbourne remain the only unbeaten team after six rounds of the AFLW season following a 34-point victory over Carlton at Casey Fields, although the Demons’ success was tempered by an ankle injury to forward Georgia Gall.
The Demons prevailed 8.10 (58) to 3.6 (24) after breaking clear in the third quarter, when they kicked four unanswered goals. The result secured a perfect 6-0 start and moved Melbourne into top spot.
Gall left the field during the third term after appearing to hurt her ankle. She had scored five goals this season after building on an impressive 2025 campaign.
Olivia Purcell was central to Melbourne’s decisive spell, gathering 26 disposals and kicking two goals. Tyla Hanks was also influential, finishing with 32 disposals and a goal, while Jorja Livingstone marked her debut with a major in the final quarter.
Carlton remained competitive during the opening half but could not contain Melbourne after the interval. Claudia Whitfort led the Blues’ midfield with 24 disposals.
The defeat was Carlton’s second in succession, leaving them with a 4-2 record and denting their hopes of securing a place in the top four. Melbourne’s victory came a day after Hawthorn stunned North Melbourne, handing the previously all-conquering side its first loss since 2023.
