THREE more Melbourne AFLW stars have been named to represent Australia in the 2026 AFLW Australia vs Ireland representative match, with vice-captain Tyla Hanks, Meave Chaplin and Tahlia Gillard announced in the second group of selection.
The trio join captain Kate Hore, who was announced on Sunday, taking Melbourne's representation in the Australian side to four players. Alongside teammate Sinead Goldrick, who was selected in Ireland's squad on Tuesday, five Demons will feature in the inaugural AFLW Australia vs Ireland clash.
Hanks, who has vice-captained the side since 2023, has earnt her selection through her impressive skills in the midfield and her consistency over her AFLW career.
After the 23-year-old debut in 2019, Hanks has played 61 games with the Demons, including two grand finals leading to one premiership.
Hanks is also a two-time Melbourne Best and Fairest winner and the 2021 AFLW Rising Star.
Chaplin has continued to establish herself as one of the league’s most exciting young defenders. After joining the Demons in 2022, the 23-year-old has improved year-on-year and is in career best form, averaging 18 disposals, four tackles and 13 kicks across the 2025 campaign.
Chaplin was part of the 2022 premiership victory and won the clubs Coaches Award in 2024. Being a big presence on and off the field, Chaplin will be a strong asset to the Australian side.
Gillard has quickly become one of Melbourne’s most reliable key defenders at only 22. Going into her fifth season, this selection is a testament to Gillard’s growth and development over the years.
Gillard has developed elite intercept marking skills and is known for her reliable spoiling in the oppositions forward line. She was also named in the AFLW 22Under22 side in 2023.
The AFLW Australia vs Ireland match, to be played at North Sydney Oval on August 1, marks the first AFLW representative fixture since 2017 and will showcase some of the league's strongest talent from both Australia and Ireland.
Tickets for the match will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, June 24. Club and AFL members will receive priority access from 10:00am AEST, with general public tickets available from 12:00pm AEST.
The match will commence at 4:15pm AEST and be broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
