Melbourne have missed the AFLW minor premiership by just one point as they geared up for the finals with a 78-point demolition of West Coast.
The Demons kept their opposition scoreless for the fourth match in a row on the way to the 11.13 (79) to 0.1 (1) mauling on Saturday at their Casey Fields home, south-east of Melbourne.
For such a one-sided game, Melbourne became desperate in the last few minutes as they piled on the goals.
They needed to keep the Eagles scoreless and kick 26 points in the last term to snatch top spot from the Brisbane Lions.
Instead, they kicked 4.1 (25).
Demons captain Daisy Pearce centred a pass in the last minute, but the Eagles were able to cut it off and kick clear to deny Melbourne the score they needed.
But the win confirmed second spot for the Dees, with their qualifying final most likely against Adelaide.
The Crows are third and start hot favourites, also on Saturday afternoon, against St Kilda at Moorabbin.
West Coast are currently 16th, but will finish 17th if Port Adelaide beat Essendon on Sunday at home.
Melbourne defender Libby Birch was supreme. while Kate Hore and Eden Zanker kicked two goals apiece.
Taylah Harris's ruck work and long kicking were outstanding, particularly in the last quarter as she ensured the Melbourne attack had every opportunity to kick the score they needed to snatch top spot from Brisbane.
Melbourne are a foundation AFLW team and regularly touted as premiership chances, but they are yet to win the flag in six seasons.
Adelaide beat them in the grand final earlier this season.
It was a brutal end to the season for the Eagles, with Ella Roberts racking up 22 possessions and seven marks - game-high stats - in a rare highlight for them.
