WITH under one week remaining until Melbourne’s first AFL Women’s game of 2019, coach Mick Stinear has provided an insight into his playing list.
There are 10 new players pulling on the red and blue this season, as well as a variety of role changes for some senior Demon figures.
As season three of the AFLW competition is set to commence, get to know the team and what to expect from each player.
Stinear has commented on players numbered 1-11 in this ‘Part One’ edition below.
No.1 – Tegan Cunningham
Forward
“Tegan, coming into her second season, has put a lot of work into her game between the end of last season and in prep for this – her marking and kicking in particular. I’m really looking forward to her taking a key forward role for us and showcasing the work she has put into her game.”
No.2 – Meg Downie
Defender
“Meg used her off-season to get good balance in her life and put herself in a really good position to attack this season. She’s healthy and ready to go so she’ll be a key part of our defence.”
No.3 – Maddison Gay
Midfielder/Forward
“Maddi did really well in our recent practice match against the VFLW team. She’ll add another element to our midfield and she’ll be able to go forward as well.”
No.4 – Karen Paxman
Midfielder
“Although not playing the VFLW season, Paxy’s fit and ready to go. Her leadership stood out in the off-season and she’s really taken her game to the next level. She continues to grow as a footballer.”
No.5 – Elise O’Dea
Midfielder
“She’s got a really good balance to her footy this year in terms of her engagement with her teammates and getting the best out of herself and others. She’ll be a key part of our midfield and continues to work on her game while leading by example.”
No. 7 – Bianca Jakobsson
Defender/Wing
“Bianca had a really good VFLW season at Casey. She became a key leader down at Casey and she’s transformed that form and confidence into AFLW. She’s had a really good month of footy and we’ll look to play her on a wing.”
No.8 – Sarah Lampard
Defender
“A phenomenal amount of work went into her [ACL] rehab in the off-season. She hit the ground running night one of pre-season and hasn’t missed a beat out on the training track. Her leadership has been recognised with the vice-captaincy role and her ability to instruct and impact others is great for the team across half-back.”
No.9 – Talia Radan
Defender
“Talia’s come across from the Crows but unfortunately did her shoulder at the backend of the VFLW season. That hindered her ability to hit the ground running. She’s all clear now to get into training and she’ll be one of our key defenders.”
No.10 – Kate Hore
Forward/Midfielder
“Kate is another one who did a power of work in the VFLW season and has taken her game to another level. She’s really determined to be her best and see the team succeed. She’ll play across half-forward and through the midfield. She’s clean with the ball, makes good decisions and will hit the scoreboard.”
No.11 – Chantel Emonson
Defender/Wing
“Chantel had an injury interrupted VFLW season, but she’s been brilliant since she’s started our program. She’s a good ball user, good decision maker and she’ll slot in across half-back and really set up our offence on the back of good defence.”
