AFLW 2023: Melbourne braces for high pressure Geelong battle

Frustration is building at Melbourne but the Demons say they know what’s coming in their semi-final against Geelong on Sunday.

Melbourne is out to reconnect its midfield and forward line as it stares down the barrel of a straight sets finals exit against Geelong. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Melbourne hopes it can rediscover its attacking prowess in time to avoid the ignominy of a straight sets exit when it plays an unexpected semi-final against Geelong on Sunday.

The Demons had been highly fancied to claim back-to-back premierships all year as they shattered league scoring records in the opening rounds, but their forward line has come to a standstill with just a single goal from their last six quarters of football.

League leading goalkickers Kate Hore and Eden Zanker along with Alyssa Bannan and Tayla Harris have struggled to hit the scoreboard in the consecutive losses, with the shock qualifying final defeat to North Melbourne blowing an opportunity to secure the Grand Final hosting rights.

Star Melbourne forward duo Kate Hore and Tayla Harris have only managed one goal each in the consecutive losses to Brisbane and North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

The AFL decided on Tuesday to rejig the hosting system to hand a home Grand Final to the highest ranked side based off their performance in the first week of finals rather than ladder position at the end of the home and away season.

Melbourne vice-captain Tyla Hanks had not been aware of the finals seeding system but said the Demons were not fussed as they dealt with bigger issues on the field.

“I just assumed that was the case, whoever finished highest (on the ladder) had the best chance of hosting the Grand Final,” Hanks said.

“I don’t think that’s anything we can control, and there’s no point in any of us thinking about it.

Hanks said an inability to capitalise on early opportunities had contributed to how the Demons fell away in the 41-point loss to North Melbourne on Sunday.

“We just missed opportunities, we definitely generated enough inside 50s and we gave ourselves plenty of chances, but just disconnected from that forward half,” she said.

Tyla Hanks said the Demons were frustrated at their inability to capitalise on relatively even contested ball and inside 50 numbers in the 41-point loss to the Kangaroos. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

“I think that can build a bit of frustration in the group, in a final like that if you’re not making the most of some opportunities early.

“It’s something as a leader, you’re sort of being the one trying to find the mark inside 50 and step up individually … (those) high scores early in the season, we know that we’re capable of it, we know it’s there.”

Hanks said the Demons would not “shy away from” their poor form in the last fortnight, and denied illness had played a significant role in the slump despite viruses affecting more than a dozen players since the days before the round 10 loss.

“There has been some illness, so that’s been in our program. Everyone who’s played has been fit and available … if you put your hand up to play, then you’re fit and ready to go, so as much as it’s been there, it’s no excuse for our performance,” she said.

“I don’t think we can shy away from the fact that teams really pressured us … I think how we respond will be really important.

“I think it’s that connection, as much as our forwards are competing and doing their best there, I think we can definitely get better.”

Originally published as AFLW 2023: Melbourne braces for high pressure Geelong battle