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Brisbane Lions star Ally Anderson has equalled the record for most disposals in an AFLW match in her side's strong win over Melbourne.
Ally Anderson has equalled the record for most disposals in an AFLW match as the Brisbane Lions kick-started their premiership defence with an 18-point win over Melbourne.
After suffering their heaviest ever defeat in round one, the Lions bounced back in strong fashion with a 5.3 (33) to 2.3 (15) victory at Casey Fields on Saturday.
Anderson starred in the engine room with a career-best 42 disposals, matching the mark set by North Melbourne midfielder Ash Riddell in 2022.
The Lions' prolific midfielder tallied 28 kicks and 14 handballs, along with eight clearances and six tackles, in a brilliant display.
"Phenomenal ... it was just an incredible day from Ally," Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich said.
"She's getting good support around her but year after year she just gets to work and she's having days regularly now like she did today.
"I keep seeing her physically improve. Someone in their early 30s shouldn't be improving physically, but she just keeps getting better.
"It's a great lesson for everyone really ... she amazes us."
Key forward Dakota Davidson (three goals) and defensive rock Bre Koenen also shone as the Lions squared their season record at 1-1.
But it was Anderson who caused most headaches for Melbourne coach Mick Stinear, finishing with 22 contested possessions and 600 metres gained.
"We felt like we were still generating opportunities and there were things that were more in our control that could've helped us win the game," Stinear said.
"But in the second half those numbers started to escalate, particularly her loose-ball gets, and the clearance numbers were troubling."
Melbourne's defeat compounded a week of upheaval, during which Kate Roffey stepped down as club president following a tumultuous period for the club on and off the field.
Roffey's successor Brad Green was on hand to support the Demons in a 1534-strong crowd, along with men's stars Christian Petracca, Max Gawn and Jake Lever.
The Lions kicked the first three goals of the match, including one to 50-gamer Taylor Smith, as Koenen and Poppy Boltz led a resolute defence.
Melbourne didn't open their account until late in the third quarter, when debutant Alyssia Pisano stepped up to give the home side a fighting chance.
Maeve Chaplin produced big tackles on Brisbane's Ruby Svarc and Sophie Conway in a physical start to the final term as the Dees briefly threatened a comeback.
But Davidson gave the Lions breathing space with her second goal and then put the result beyond doubt when she followed up with a brilliant set shot from the boundary.
Anderson had more than twice as many disposals as every other player on the ground, with Isabel Dawes (19 disposals) and Jade Ellenger (17) also among the Lions' major ball-winners.
Sinead Goldrick (20), Blaithin Mackin (19), Paxy Paxman and Tyla Hanks (both 16) all fought hard for Melbourne.
Brisbane host Collingwood on Friday night in round three, while Melbourne are at home again in a huge clash with last year's runners-up North Melbourne.
