THIS weekend, Tyla Hanks will become the youngest player in AFLW history to play 100 games.

At just 26, she’s also the only player from the 2019 debut class that has reached the milestone.

It’s an achievement that doesn’t come as a surprise, with the Demon an instant contributor to the red and blue from the moment she was drafted in 2018.  

Since entering the competition via pick No.6, Hanks has been as consistent as they come, steadily blossoming into one of the top midfielders in the competition, known for her classy skills and tenacious work rate.

As we prepare to celebrate the Demon on Saturday, let’s take a look back at the moments that led to her historic milestone.

2018 | Drafted to Melbourne
Hanks was drafted to the Dees via pick No.6 at the 2018 AFLW Draft. She arrived at the club having had an impressive junior career where she co-captained the Gippsland Power, was named in the U18 All Australian side and in the TAC Cup Girls' Team of the Year. 

2019 | AFLW Debut
Having only arrived at Melbourne in October of 2018, it wasn't long before Hanks made her AFLW debut, selected to play in Round 1 of 2019. Inaugural captain Daisy Pearce presented Hanks with her first red and blue jumper before Melbourne was defeated by four points, in a match that was played in sweltering heat at Casey Fields.

2019 | First AFLW goal
In her second game for Melbourne, Hanks ticked off two milestones, kicking her first career goal and winning her first game. Her goal came in the final minutes of the match, helping the Dees to a 17-point win over the Pies. 

2021 | Rising Star Award
After a career-best campaign at Melbourne, Hanks received the 2021 AFLW Rising Star Award. In what was her third year at the top level, she averaged 19 disposals per game and amassed over 22 touches on five occasions. She became one of Melbourne's most important players and was a fitting recipient of the league-wide award.

2022 | Premiership
During the second season of 2022, Melbourne won its inaugural AFLW premiership, with Hanks a key pillar of the historic victory. In what was a highly contested, grueling battle, Hanks finished the game with 14 disposals, four tackles and a memorable fourth-quarter mark that many consider the moment the Dees sealed their win. 

2023 | Appointed AFLW vice-captain
Hanks was appointed to the leadership group early into her career, but was promoted to vice-captain in 2023 when Kate Hore took the reins as captain. The duo have developed a partnership as leaders that has guided the Dees to three finals campaigns in four years. 

2025 | Maiden All-Australian selection  
After being selected in the All-Australian squad on three occasions, Hanks finally got the nod of approval from selectors in 2025. The smooth-moving midfielder stood out last season, her class with ball-in-hand among the best in the competition. She hit career-high numbers across the stats sheet averaging 23 disposals, seven tackles and 4.5 inside 50s.

2026 | Australia v Ireland match
Hanks continued her All-Australian honours by pulling on the green and gold in August, representing the country in the historic Australia v Ireland match at North Sydney Oval. She featured in a star-studded midfield line-up that included the likes of Ellie McKenzie, Ebony Marinoff and Jasmine Garner.