MELBOURNE will unleash four debutants for its season opener against Hawthorn on Thursday night.

Jacinta Hose, Lauren Clifton, Jordyn Allen and Mia Austin were told the exciting news on Monday afternoon, set to make their Demon debuts at IKON Park for Round 1.

It’s a particularly special moment for Hose, who is set to play her first AFLW game following a long journey with injury.

She first joined the Dees in 2023, drafted as a long-term prospect, having suffered back-to-back ACL injuries.

Due to these injuries, the beginning of her career was delayed, sidelined for the duration of the 2024 season.

She was close to making a full return to play last year, before back surgery then delayed her comeback for a further 12 months.

Now, after years of building her strength and skills in rehab, Hose gets her moment.

She’ll lead the charge in the ruck while adding further height to the backline, having showed her strengths in the team’s last four practice matches.

 

Clifton earns her selection after a strong first pre-season at the top level, arriving at the Dees via the 2026 pre-season draft at pick No.9.

The 22-year-old adds further depth to the Melbourne backline, having developed her craft over the last four years playing for South Adelaide Football Club in the SANFLW.

Allen’s rise to debutant status has been an impressive trajectory, arriving as an 18-year-old talent via the 2025 national draft in December.

She’s made her mark quickly as a silky defender working across half-back, her explosive skills providing poise exiting the defensive 50.

Austin is the final debutant for the Dees, set to play her first game in the red and blue. The tall forward arrived at Melbourne via the 2025 trade period, following 30 AFLW games at Carlton.

The 22-year-old bolsters Melbourne’s forward line with aerial prowess and strength at the contest. She’ll look to add to her existing goal tally of 22.