Eden Zanker has kicked four goals to help Melbourne comfortably defeat Sydney by 44 points and edge closer to a top-two finish.

All eyes were on Kate Hore at Casey Fields to see whether the Demons captain would become the first AFLW player to kick 100 career goals.

But it was Zanker who led the way, as the Demons held the Swans goalless across three quarters to set up a 9.11 (65) to 3.3 (21) win in Saturday’s Pride Round fixture. 

Hore is on 97 goals after kicking one major to go with her haul of 25 disposals and six clearances against the Swans.

Eliza McNamara was also busy for the Demons, while ruck Lauren Pearce dominated against the Swans’ counterpart Ally Morphett.

Bouncing back from a loss to Fremantle last week, Melbourne moves to second on the ladder with an 8-2 win-loss record.

Hawthorn, who recorded a shock defeat to Port Adelaide on Friday night, slips back to third spot.

The loss to the Demons is a massive blow to the Swans’ finals hopes, with Scott Gowans’ side sitting ninth (5-5) with two rounds remaining.

Sydney was sorely missing captain and star forward Chloe Molloy (back injury).

Laura Gardiner (31 disposals) saw plenty of the ball, but her efforts were not enough for the Swans.

AAP