IN July of 2025, Tahlia Gillard was preparing for her fifth season of AFLW.

She’d been quickly building a name for herself as one of the top tall defenders in the competition.

Having only been drafted in 2021, it was a quick rise for the young Demon, who was already a premiership player and stalwart of Melbourne’s back five.

But on the precipice of season 2025, it all came to an abrupt halt when Gillard suffered an MCL injury in one of the club’s final pre-season practice matches.

It was a tough reality for the then 21-year-old, who was about to experience her first serious injury setback of her footballing life.

“I feel like when you get injured it sucks in the moment, but it gives you so much resilience and perspective,” Gillard said.

“I’d never really spent any time in rehab prior to that injury, so it made me more grateful when I came back, to be able to do this as a job, getting to play footy with my friends.

“I also developed more empathy for those in the rehab group, it can be hard at times because you can feel a bit isolated, you’re in your own world, ticking off your own things.”

Gillard returned to the side in Round 6 and was an integral part of the Dees’ preliminary final berth.

On an individual level, the back half of her 2025 season was enough to earn the honour of representing Australia in the 2026 AFLW Australia vs Ireland representative match in August.

It was a shock to Gillard at the time, but an experience that she found valuable for her development.

“Coming off that MCL injury, I wasn't expecting it,” Gillard said.

“To be selected in that team alongside players of that calibre, it meant a lot.

“To do it with some of the Melbourne girls as well, that was an extra element to it and it was really nice.”

Fast forward to October 2026 and Gillard is now putting together a career-best campaign.

The 22-year-old currently leads the league for total spoils (53) and one percenters (58), while sitting second for total rebound 50s (63).

An injury-free pre-season and an embrace of expectation has helped the youngster reach new heights in her defensive game.

“Coming into a season having no injury, it means your fitness builds, your strength builds, your connection with your teammates builds,” Gillard said.

“I had the chance to build a bit of confidence in the back half of last season, which gave me clarity on where I sat, where I could develop and what was expected of me and my role.

“I had some really good end-of-year meetings and conversations that helped me identify strengths in my game and it makes it easier that I'm still playing the same role this year, which means I can build on those strengths.”

This year is the first time that Gillard has sat in the club’s AFLW leadership group, voted into the group on behalf of her fellow teammates.

She joins a young quintet of Demons – Kate Hore (captain), Tyla Hanks (vice-captain), Maeve Chaplin and Eliza McNamara.

“I think the leadership side of things [has helped my game],” Gillard said.

“It’s also just a nice feeling that the people around me have that confidence in me and I want make sure I step up in that role.”

The Demons are now heading into their last game of the home-and-away season, sitting third on the ladder and heading into another finals campaign.

It’s been a positive season so far for the red and blue, the side embracing their new senior coach Tom Wilson.

Along with the appointment of Wilson, the Dees’ defenders have relished in the leadership of new backline coach Riley Bonner.

Bonner is a former AFL player who moved into the role after serving as development coach for the AFLW side last season.

“[Riley’s] been amazing and has been such a great asset for this team,” Gillard said.

“I feel like he's a perfect AFLW coach, especially coming from playing AFL. He can translate his experience into our experience, and one of his greatest strengths is his ability to ask us questions, which makes it more of a discussion.”

 As the group heads into the pointy end of the season, hopeful to go two steps further than last year, Gillard is steadfast in her pride of Melbourne’s backline and the connection they’ve built over the year so far.  

“I feel like we're probably one of the most connected groups, we have so much fun,” Gillard said.

“When you play back, there's a lot on the line, you're getting goals kicked on you and you can feel the pressure at times, so it’s important to have a group that’s so connected.  

“The younger girls are really stepping up and showing what they can bring to the backline and they're complemented by our experienced players.

“We’re a mix of different players and different strengths, but when you put us all together, we complement each other really well.

“Whoever comes into play, you know they'll play their role.”

The Dees will face the Crows this Sunday from 3:05pm (AEDT), with the result set to determine their spot on the ladder and who they'll face in the first weekend of finals.