Melbourne's Eden Zanker has denied West Coast coach Daisy Pearce a happy return to her old club, snagging five goals in the Demons' 51-point win over the Eagles.
Pearce, arguably Melbourne's most iconic AFLW name and a premiership captain in 2022, coached against her former club for the first time in Sunday's match at Casey Fields.
But Zanker, who kicked five goals in the opening half while clunking nine marks, stood in her ex-teammate's way as the Demons battered the Eagles around the ball to win 10.14 (74) to 3.5 (23).
It was an important response for Melbourne, who lost to Port Adelaide last week.
With Lauren Pearce (20 hit-outs, 15 disposals, six clearances) on top in the ruck, Melbourne midfielders Tyla Hanks (18 disposals) and Eliza McNamara (24 disposals) were prolific.
Skipper