DEMOLITION DEES

MELBOURNE’S return to Optus Stadium – the scene of its 57-year premiership-breaking win in 2021 – was another success as it thrashed West Coast on Sunday.

And while the Demons left Perth with a 74-point win and the four premiership points, the going was not as easy as most had expected.

Having kicked seven consecutive goals through the opening term to the start of the second, the Demons threatened to open the floodgates, but the Eagles settled and challenged the visitors, who went on to win 16.16 (112) to 5.8 (38).