Collingwood has stamped itself as AFLW premiership favourites after disposing of a wayward Melbourne by 35 points.

The Magpies, who went top of the ladder as the league’s only unbeaten team, destroyed the Demons by running out 7.7 (49) to 1.8 (14) winners in the Indigenous Round match.

Earlier on Sunday, star performances from Ebony Marinoff and Erin Phillips propelled Adelaide to a crushing 53-point win over St Kilda at Norwood Oval.

Collingwood kept Melbourne goalless until late in the third quarter in a commanding all-round display in front of 2,931 spectators at the Magpies’ spiritual home of Victoria Park.

Dynamite forward Chloe Molloy produced another electric display with three goals to take her to equal top of the league goal-kicking list alongside Phillips and Western Bulldogs ace Isabel Huntington.

But there were late concerns for Molloy as the Magpies star went off the field in the final term clutching her shoulder.

Collingwood also lost Jordan Membrey to a knee injury in the third quarter.

Magpies ball magnets Brittany Bonnici and Jamiee Lambert had days out with a dominant displays in the midfield.

After struggling through their first three AFLW seasons, the Magpies have emerged as surprise flag threats under coach Steve Symonds.

Fremantle’s shock defeat to the Brisbane Lions on Saturday means Collingwood is a match clear on top of the standings with a perfect 5-0 win-loss record.

The Demons, who were unbeaten after three rounds, have endured back-to-back horror defeats to kick a combined total of 3.20 in two weekends after booting 2.12 against the Bulldogs in round four.

Crows run rampant against Saints

The high-flying Crows held the Saints scoreless until late in the third term on their way to an 8.13 (61) to 1.2 (8) win, their first victory at their home ground since round two last season.

It was a disappointing day for the Saints, who recorded their lowest score and heaviest defeat in their short AFLW history.

Marinoff (23 possessions and nine tackles) and Phillips (21 disposals and a goal) were the standouts for the Crows, who had winners across every line.

Both defensive units held sway in the first quarter, with the only goal for the term coming off the boot of Phillips, who converted a free kick after the siren to give her side a nine-point lead.

But while the Crows were able to keep the defensive clamps firmly tightened in the second quarter, they were also able to find their feet offensively.

Chelsea Randall continued her fine run of form in attack to boot Adelaide’s second major and back-to-back goals from Teah Charlton blew the margin out to 30 points at the main break.

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The scoreboard at half-time told a grim tale for the visitors, but even more damning was the lopsided 29-2 inside 50 count.

The Saints did not manage to go inside their attacking 50 once in the second term and could not conjure a single possession inside forward 50 for the half.

Danielle Ponter and Ash Woodland hit the scoreboard to deepen St Kilda’s woes after the break before Kate Shierlaw ran onto a loose ball in the goal square to open the visitors’ account with two minutes left in the third quarter.

Jessica Sedunary kicked her first goal since returning to Adelaide from a stint with the Saints after the restart and Justine Mules kicked the first goal of her AFLW career as the Crows cruised to a percentage-boosting win.

AAP/ABC



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