AT THE beginning of the 2023 AFLW pre-season, Eden Zanker was ready to push her game to the next level.

The 24-year-old spent hours honing her forward craft – focusing on aerial contests, goalkicking and game play.

So, when Melbourne’s campaign officially kicked off, the Demon was all systems go, putting together consistent performances week-in, week-out.

She averaged close to four marks a game, 4.7 score involvements, kicked a record-high 23 goals across her 12 games and continued to be a pillar of strength for the Dees inside 50.

And while the team didn’t go on to achieve the ultimate success, bowing out in a semi-final, Zanker was still recognised for her outstanding individual campaign, named in the All-Australian side and taking out the leading goalkicker title alongside teammate and captain Kate Hore.

“You certainly don't look at achieving those sorts of things at the start of the season,” Zanker told Melbourne Media.

“You just go into the season wanting to play a role and do what you need to do for the team to achieve success.

“So, it's definitely a bit of a pat on the back moment to recognise what you've achieved and all the hard work that you've put in for the season.”

Zanker and Hore were honoured for their achievement at Monday’s 2023 W Awards, accepting the leading goalkickers medals together.

The forward praised the work of Hore as the newly appointed captain, proud that she could share the honour alongside her much-loved teammate.  

“I honestly could not think of a better person to share the honour with,” Zanker said.

“Kate is not only an amazing leader of the club, but she's such a humble, kind-hearted soul and she really does bring so much to this club.

“She’s such an inspiration on and off the field, so, to share that with her and to be up there with her, it was an amazing experience, and I loved every bit of it.”

While it was Zanker’s own motivation to better herself during pre-season, it was moments throughout the year that forced her to become an on-field leader among the forward line.

With Daisy Pearce’s retirement and the absence of key Demons for varying rounds throughout the year, Zanker stepped up to the role, embracing the new challenge.

“I think the absence Dais and Tay for a few rounds, I put myself in their shoes and took on a bit more of a leadership role within the forward line,” Zanker said.

“With the communication and leading patterns, that was something I really took on board and I feel like I have a lot of experience in.”

With Melbourne’s AFLW season now over, the players will head into a long break before pre-season kicks off in 2024.

Zanker said despite the fact it's only been a couple of weeks off the track, the eagerness to get back into the swing of things is hitting.

“I'm already itching to get back out there, and I'll definitely be a jealous onlooker with the grand final coming this weekend,” Zanker said.

“But I’m looking forward to re-energising and just rejuvenating a little bit and definitely pretty keen to get stuck back into it."