Melbourne scores 88-point AFLW win over Fremantle as Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Richmond post victories

Daisy Pearce kicked five goals as Melbourne produced a record-breaking 88-point AFLW win against a depleted Fremantle line-up in Perth to jump to the top of the ladder.

The Demons showed no mercy against the Dockers, who were missing a host of players, including reigning AFLW best-and-fairest winner Kiara Bowers (knee) and Gabby O'Sullivan (COVID-19 protocols).

Melbourne capitalised on its good fortune as it broke the record for the largest AFLW score — set last week by the Brisbane Lions — along with the largest margin in league history, triumphing 16.11 (107) to 3.1 (19).

The Demons' third term, kicking 7.1 without reply, was the best quarter in the competition's history.

The match was crucial in the race for the top two but the weakened Dockers — forced to field three debutants — were no match for Melbourne, who excelled with its kick-mark style.

The percentage-boosting win not only firmed up a top-two berth for the Demons but offered hope of finishing above Adelaide in the race for the minor premiership.

Along with Pearce, Lily Mithen (25 disposals) and Kate Hore (16 disposals and three goals) starred on Saturday.

Despite their list of absentees, the Dockers kicked the first goal of the match from Makaela Tuhakaraina, but the Demons quickly settled and exerted control.

Pearce, Tayla Harris and Hore responded with first-quarter majors, while Fremantle was further decimated after a concussion ruled Matilda Sargeant out of the match.

The Demons opened up a 34-point half-time lead before their dominant third quarter where the ball appeared almost exclusively inside their attacking 50, with Pearce kicking three majors for the term.

Tireless Fremantle captain Hayley Miller (22 disposals and nine tackles) got a deserved consolation