Melbourne maintained their early season momentum by beating Richmond by 28 points in AFLW second round action on Saturday afternoon.
The Demons utilised a multi-pronged forward set-up to run away to win 7.2 (44) to 2.4 (16) in perfect playing conditions at Casey Fields.
Richmond, still searching for that breakthrough win in their eighth attempt, lacked nothing for spirit and endeavour. But once again the Tigers left too much to tall Sabrina Frederick and skipper Katie Brennan up forward.
Melbourne set up their second straight victory once the midfield, led by Karen Paxman (19 disposals) and Lily Mithen (20), took charge after an even opening quarter.
"Richmond was strong around the ball, they beat us in contested possession and outworked us for periods," Dees coach Mick Stinear said.
"In the second half the girls had a bit more composure around the ball and I was pleased the way they ran out the game."
Melbourne, slow starters in the opening round on the Gold Coast, paid a price again despite captain Daisy Pearce's toss win providing first use of the breeze to the northern end goals.
Frederick marked 25m out and a Demon defensive infringement pulled her to the goal line for the opening major to give the visitors a flying start. It was to be the Tigers' only scoreboard success until Sarah Hosking goalled from a free kick late in the last quarter.
"I thought they got us in a patch in the second quarter where we dominated play, dominated inside 50s, dominated time in the forward half. And they got through us and scored quickly," Richmond coach Ryan Ferguson said.
"I was really pleased with the last 10 minutes of the last quarter where it was important for the character of this team and they just kept smashing the door down and worked and worked for that (second) goal. So, we're not necessarily getting the reward (for effort), but it will come."
Where Tigers Monique Conti (27 disposals) and No.1 draft pick Ellie McKenzie (14) led a productive midfield early in the game, the Demons hit back hard around the contests with their principle on-ballers Paxman and Mithen, backed by Tyla Hanks (19) and Casey Sherriff (14) across the centre.
Melbourne had more target options inside the forward 50 with Tegan Cunningham and Alyssa Bannan goalling after strong marks. And the Tigers' chase was impossible once Demon forward Shelley Scott goalled midway through the last quarter.