GWS avoid unwanted record in AFLW defeat

GWS have narrowly avoided becoming the first team in AFLW history to be held scoreless for an entire game, suffering a 37-point thumping from Melbourne.

The Giants returned to action on Saturday after their previous fixture against St Kilda was postponed because they were unable to field a team, with too many players unavailable through COVID-19 protocols.

The disrupted preparation took its toll at Casey Fields as GWS never threatened the home side.

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The Demons gradually pulled clear to post a comfortable 6.8 (44) to 1.1 (7) win that underlined their premiership credentials.

Early inaccuracy in front of goal prevented a much bigger margin in blustery conditions.

Lily Mithen (22 disposals) and Karen Paxman (21) starred in the engine room for Melbourne, while Kate Hore and Tayla Harris kicked two goals each.

Tyla Hanks (21 disposals) was an important contributor on return after missing the previous round through health and safety protocols.

It looked as if GWS would be held scoreless until Jessica Doyle pounced on a loose ball and snapped a goal with less than three minutes left on the clock.

Another hurried kick by Emily Pease from the next forward foray went through for a behind.

The late scores took GWS past Richmond's competition record-low 0.3 (3), posted against St Kilda in 2020.

Melbourne coach Mick Stinear paid credit to the Giants post-match.

"I don't know the details of their two weeks but it certainly hasn't been easy for any of our players coming off the health and safety protocols and impacting at this high level," Stinear said.

"No doubt they've probably had their challenges and a lot of players probably felt it today."

Goals to Daisy Pearce and Hore gave