IN HER first pre-season as an AFLW player, Jordy Allen is looking to make her mark early.
The 18-year-old joined the Dees via pick No.16 at the 2025 AFLW National Draft and has spent the last seven months settling into life as a Demon.
The youngster has been training in the red and blue full time since May and as of last Friday, played her first ‘unofficial’ match in Dees colours.
Allen featured in Melbourne’s first hit-out of the pre-season, facing Geelong in an informal match simulation at GMHBA Stadium.
Bouncing off half back, the silky defender had moments of impressive football, an exciting first outing at the top level.
“Since getting drafted in December, you go through a patch of blackout periods, and then pre-pre-season and then pre-season,” Allen said.
“I've been learning all new stuff and getting used to the training loads, and then to finally be able to play some proper opposition, it was really fun, I just loved it so much.
“It's been a long time since I played footy, so I was just itching to get back out there. I think it took me maybe a quarter or so to get into the game, getting used to the pace of the game and the bigger bodies.
“The girls got around me and helped me out a lot, which was nice.”
Allen has been strong on the track since arriving at the club, the Demon slowly building her game with a focus on her key asset: clean skills.
She’s been working closely with Melbourne’s backline coach Riley Bonner and a number of star defenders such as Maeve Chaplin and Tahlia Gillard.
“I feel like half back is where I play my best footy, I’m trying to learn that role really well,” Allen said.
“I worked a lot on my kicking when I was growing up, so I’ve been focusing on that and how I’m able to use that in a game.
“All [the defenders] have been really good to me. I ask as many questions as I can and they're always willing to help me."
Allen will no doubt be pushing to play in Melbourne's Round 1 match, where the team will face Hawthorn at IKON Park on Thursday 13 August.
Check out the full chat with our No.32 below.
