Demons claim top spot, Geelong forward scores screamer

Melbourne are the only unbeaten side after six rounds of the AFLW season, producing a statement 34-point win over Carlton at Casey Fields.

But they may count the cost of Saturday's 8.10 (58) to 3.6 (24) win after star forward Georgia Gall limped off in the third quarter with an ankle injury.

A day after Hawthorn manufactured a mighty upset to topple heavyweights North Melbourne, the Demons knew a win on Saturday would lift them into top spot and give them a perfect 6-0 start to their campaign.

The Blues were spirited in the opening half, but Melbourne slotted four straight goals in the third quarter to set up victory.

Midfielder Olivia Purcell (26 disposals) was at the centre of the post-halftime blitz, slotting two majors, while Jorja Livingstone scored on her debut in the final quarter.

Tyla Hanks (32 disposals, one goal) also excelled, but it came as Gall sustained an ankle injury, which could be a huge blow for Melbourne because she has already built on a stellar 2025 campaign with five goals this year.

It is the second consecutive loss for the Blues (4-2) and dents their top-four aspirations, although midfielder Claudia Whitfort was typically busy with 24 disposals.

At Victoria Park, forward Aishling Moloney produced a goal-of-the-year contender to help Geelong to a 14.6 (90) to 7.7 (49) victory over Collingwood.

Knowing a win would shore up their position inside the top eight, the Cats (5-1) were given a scare when the winless Magpies levelled scores minutes after the main break.

But the visitors flicked a switch, finding six goals in an electrifying third quarter to take a 31-point lead into the final break.

One of those majors was from Moloney, who booted the ball from halfway before it took a favourable flurry of bounces and crept into the goal.

The Cats tightened the screws in the final quarter, keeping Collingwood goal-less to seal their fifth straight win.

Midfielders Nina Morrison (30 disposals), Mikayla Bowen (29 disposals) and Georgie Prespakis (12 clearances) were prolific for the Cats, while Moloney and Chloe Scheer grabbed three and four majors respectively.

While the loss kept Collingwood (0-6) winless, they enjoyed a highlight when half-forward Olivia Lewis booted a goal on her AFLW debut after shifting from Super Netball's Melbourne Mavericks to the Magpies.