THE DEES have completed their first unofficial game of the 2025 AFLW season, hitting the track on Wednesday morning in an intraclub match on Gosch’s Paddock.
The team was split across two sides – red and blue – with a cohort of Casey players joining the group.
It was the fans’ first game glimpse at the new players in the red and blue with Molly O’Hehir, Maggie Mahony, Amelia Dethridge and Laela Ebert all featuring in the match.
O’Hehir looked at home in the backline, providing plenty of run outside the defensive 50. At the other end of the ground, Mahony was also strong including a standout moment in the opening minutes of the game where a clean ground ball from the Demon resulted in a goal.
Ebert showed her high skill level across the match, getting more comfortable as the minutes ticked on, while Dethridge was powerful at the contest, her strength a highlight for the red team.
In no surprise to anyone, a midfield quartet of Lauren Pearce, Tyla Hanks, Olivia Purcell and Kate Hore all shone for much of the game, showing their cohesion and experience at the contest.
Paxy Paxman proved that there’s no limit to her talent. 10 seasons in and it seems she just keeps pushing her game to the next level. Working on the wing alongside Eliza McNamara, Paxman was at her best making impacts across the ground for the full six terms.
Up forward Eden Zanker pulled out some impressive tricks inside 50, including a dribble goal from the pocket that left fans wowed.
Down back Tahlia Gillard and Maeve Chaplin picked up where they left off in 2024, while Georgia Campbell was also a clear star of the match, showing new levels of depth to her craft.
“My mind going into the match was just focusing on putting everything that we’ve been practicing into play, having some fun, trying new things and really having a full hit-out,” Campbell said post-match.
“I started on the red team and then moved to the blue and both sides worked so hard…we really pushed ourselves today.
“It’s felt like pre-season has gone quick, but I think now we all want nothing more than to just verse somebody else.”
As she enters her fifth season with the Dees, she looked as comfortable as ever on Gosch’s, clunking contested marks and standing tall alongside seasoned ruck Pearce.
The 21-year-old reflected on her development and how her confidence has helped further her game.
“I’m feeling strong and confident putting my best foot forward,” Campbell said.
“I’m having fun as well and trying not to overthink any mistakes.”
The Dees will face their first external opposition of the 2025 pre-season on Saturday 26 July when they host Hawthorn at Casey Fields in an unofficial practice match.
