PAXY Paxman has nine AFLW seasons under her belt as an inaugural Demon, but is this year going to be one of her best yet?
The 36-year-old was one of many Demons who shone in the club’s first hit-out against external opposition on Saturday, facing Hawthorn in a match sim at Casey Fields.
The Dees were impressive in the unofficial practice match, starting the game strong with a seven-goal opening half and finishing with a 34-point victory.
Paxman was in her finest form, excelling in various roles across the ground – most notably at half-forward where she created plenty of scoring opportunities for the team.
Following the game, Paxman reflected on her veteran status and the excitement of season 10.
“It’s come around quickly,” Paxman said post-match.
“At times I don’t feel like I’m running around too well, [but] it is nice to get out there – it’s been a long pre-season, as it is every year.”
Last season, fans didn’t get to see much of Paxman, after she battled a foot injury that forced her to the sidelines for six out of Melbourne’s 11 games.
After a strong pre-season, the Demon is now back to full fitness and is showing that age is just a number.
“I had a foot niggle last season, but I had a nice off-season and rested it well,” Paxman said.
“It’s good to be out there running around without any pain.
“My body’s feeling good and I’m ready to roll.”
Melbourne’s mix inside 50 displayed a standout trio, showcasing three tall forwards in Georgia Gall, Tayla Harris and Eden Zanker.
“It’s a good looking forward line,” Paxman said.
“It’s a luxury to get it into those girls and play some forward half footy.
“Everyone has worked super hard over the last few weeks and months and I think we’re all just looking forward to getting to more practice matches and then Round 1.
“There were so many passages of play where I’d think ‘oh yeah that’s what we’ve been training’, it’s good to get out there and put our training to the test.
“It was good to play against a decent opposition and test ourselves out – I thought we did well.”
