Demons smash Giants by 39 in AFLW

Melbourne have smashed GWS by 39 points in Sydney to boost their AFLW finals hopes and hurt those of the Giants.

Eden Zanker (left) of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal

Tegan Cunningham (R) has outscored GWS on her own in Melbourne's 39-point AFLW win in Sydney. (AAP)

Melbourne forward Tegan Cunningham outscored GWS on her own as the Demons enhanced their AFLW finals chances and severely dented those of the Giants.

The Demons dominated Sunday's second and fourth quarters on their way to a 8.9 (57) to 2.6 (18) victory at Blacktown in western Sydney.

The teams were level at quarter-time but Melbourne kicked seven goals to one over the remainder of the game.

The result moves Melbourne to 3-2 and drops GWS to 1-4.

The Giants were close in all the possession categories and Melbourne coach Mick Stinear felt his midfield was beaten.

But former basketballer Cunningham kicked 3.2, providing the reliable target the Giants lacked.

"She (Cunningham) has had some good games throughout the first five rounds. That was probably one where we needed her the most, so a great contribution from her," Stinear said.

'Really pleased with how she's developing."

"It was a bit of a chaotic game at times, GWS were really strong around the footy.

"Thankfully something we've been working on during the week was just better decision making once we''d won the ball.".

Maddison Gay and Karen Paxman racked up 19 and 18 touches respectively.

Melbourne outscored the home side 2.6 to 0.2 in the second quarter to lead by 16 points at halftime.

The margin remained the same at the end of the third quarter during which each team kicked a goal.

The Demons boosted their percentage by slamming on 4.0 to 0.1 in the final quarter.

Alicia Eva and Alyce Parker each tallied 20 touches for GWS.

"The reality is we don't kick enough goals. If you don't put the opposition under pressure both in general play and on the scoreboard it eventually gets you," GWS coach Alan McConnell said.

"All of our forwards had moments, but equally it comes out too easily, so it's a bit all duck, no dinner.

"I haven't studied the ladder and results a lot, other than to say it would require a miracle for us to probably be playing beyond the next two weeks."

Demon Shelley Scott played out the game despite getting a shoulder knock, while GWS ruck Erin McKinnon was a late withdrawal after dislocating a thumb.


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Source: AAP



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