Star Demon hits top gear in dominant win over Bulldogs
Purcell finished with a monster haul of one goal, 33 disposals and seven clearances to help the Demons steamroll the hosts 9.8 (62) to 1.8 (14) and retain the Hampson-Hardeman Cup.
But the Demons didn't come out of their fourth straight win over the Bulldogs unscathed, with ruck-forward Tayla Harris suffering an eye injury.
Harris showed glimpses of her All-Australian best in her first game back from a shoulder injury, before being forced out in the second quarter.
After pulling off a trademark speccy just moments earlier, Harris copped an arm to her face in a marking contest with Bulldogs counterpart Alice Edmond.
The 28-year-old had only played one game last year, requiring surgery after hurting her left shoulder.
Melbourne, semi-finalists the previous year, missed the top eight in her absence.
Tyla Hanks was just as busy on Saturday with 29 disposals, and kicked two goals to match Kate Hore and Eden Zanker.
The Western Bulldogs had their own returning star, with former skipper Ellie Blackburn collecting 17 touches through managed minutes.
Blackburn was limited to three games last season before hurting her foot.
Jasmyn Smith was the Bulldogs' main ball winner with 21 disposals.
Demons debutant Maggie Mahoney was denied the first goal of the game on the line by Bulldogs defender Issy Grant.
Melbourne found the opener from an unlikely source, defender Shelley Heath breaking through almost 13 minutes into the first quarter.
It was Heath's fifth goal in her eighth AFLW season.
Demons skipper Hore then hit the scoreboard to help set up a 12-point lead at halftime after intercepting a dangerous kick-out meant for Grant.
Heidi Woodley slotted the home side's first - and only - goal after winning a scrap in the second quarter.
Bulldogs midfielder Jess Fitzgerald could have reduced the halftime deficit after the siren but hit the post with her set shot.
Melbourne's ascendancy continued well into the second half, building a 39-point lead after kicking 4.3 against the scoreless Bulldogs in the third quarter.
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