COMING up against the reigning Grand Finalists on Friday night, AFLW Senior Coach Daniel Harford was under no illusions that the Demons would present a significant challenge to his squad.

And while his chargers may not have produced the desired outcome, there were elements of the match that Harford believes they can hang their hat on.

“They’re a serious contender for the flag so we knew it was going to be an enormous challenge for us [on Friday night], with the squad that we assembled,” Harford said.

“There were great moments – the outcome was obviously not what we wanted clearly, but you can’t question our effort.”

Harford identified Melbourne’s efficiency with ball in hand and execution at the contest as the key differences between the two sides.

“Our method was a bit caught up at times. Their strength, physicality and cleanliness really made a big difference in the game and the way they were able to get it on their terms,” he said.

“We had some big wins in certain positions tonight, but we knew it was going to be a tough night at the office.”

Of those who impressed, Harford was thrilled to see Serena Gibbs play her first match since 2021, after taking time away from the game to focus on her mental health.

“I thought ‘Gibba’ did a great job coming back in. Her story is remarkable and what she’s been able to do to get back to this point.”

Another story of resilience, former All-Australian Christina Bernardi made her Navy Blue debut after being elevated from a train-on player during the week, with her five years of AFLW experiences shining through.

“She showed some great experience by sensing the moment and impacting the contest, when perhaps more inexperienced players wouldn’t do that,” he said.

“From where she came from, to get to this point is a great story of resilience and perseverance. To see her fight when things have gone against her is really positive.

“Having her around has been great for our group, she’s been great with our younger players – really good leadership with them, taking them along the journey.”

The match provided an opportunity for a number of Carlton players to test themselves against some of the best opposition in the competition, while others were handed new challenges in unfamiliar territory.

“Daisy Walker played on Alyssa Bannan, who I have enormous respect for, and kept her to four disposals and Brooke Vickers played on Daisy Pearce - one of the icons of the competition - and one of our young ones is out there keeping her to a minimal impact.

“They’re the growth opportunities we’ve got with this squad, to play them on outstanding players and give them a chance to find out what level they’re at.

“I quite liked Gab [Pound] up forward as well – she started off like a house on fire and then worked her way into the game after falling away for a bit.”

Continuing her outstanding start to the season, Mua Laloifi impressed once again.

“Her last couple of weeks in particular have been first rate. She’s rock-solid fit, does most things as well as anyone in the competition in terms of her preparation so it’s nice to see her get some reward for effort," Harford said.

“I’d like her to be less busy but she’s certainly playing well.”

With the lessons taken from Friday night, Harford remains bullish about what his side can achieve in the second half of the season.

“We’ve got the Giants in Sydney next week – that’s a challenge but we can grow from tonight and get some players back hopefully and put up a really good show,” he said.

“We think the next five weeks can be really productive for us.

“After a night like [Friday] we know there’s work to do, but we think there’s a great opportunity to grow and get success in the back end of the season.”