MELBOURNE’S Blaithin Mackin will move to the inactive list for the upcoming 2026 AFLW season.
Hailing from Armagh County in Northern Ireland, Mackin joined Melbourne in 2022 and has played 36 games across four seasons with the Dees.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the 27-year-old made the tough decision to remain in Ireland for the upcoming fixture. The club is in support of her choice to spend more time at home with her family.
“Blaithin has balanced back-to-back AFLW and Gaelic seasons for multiple years. The physical and mental demands have taken their toll on Blaithin and it’s important for her health and wellbeing that she takes a break from AFLW in 2026,” said Katrina Gill, Melbourne's General Manager of AFLW.
“It’s been a tough decision for Blaithin because she loves the club and her teammates here at Melbourne, but we all agree she needs to prioritise her physical and mental health at this time.
“We will continue to support Blaithin while she remains in Ireland and look forward to welcoming her back in 2027.”
With Mackin moving to the inactive list, Melbourne will have a vacant list spot to fill ahead of the pre-season draft on May 4.
