OUTSTANDING midfielder Karen Paxman has recommitted to Melbourne after being sounded out by a rival AFLW club.

AFLW list manager Todd Patterson said the dual AFLW All-Australian was set to don the red and blue again in 2019.

“After being named a player of interest by an expansion club, Karen Paxman was quick to recommit to the program, which we’re really pleased about,” he told Melbourne Media.

“She’s been one of the prominent midfielders in the competition.

“She will go a long way to strengthening our midfield for AFLW [season] three.”

Melbourne has also locked in Sarah Lampard and Ainslie Kemp for next year.

“Despite both currently recovering from ACLs, they have recommitted to the club for 2019,” Patterson said.

“Karen, Sarah and Ainslie all have terrific character and show all the value we want in a Melbourne person.

“We’re really confident that all three will have a strong impact on field next season, and it’s a good way for us to kick off the signing period.

“We’ll lock in the rest of the players in the days to come.”

Patterson said Melbourne was “exploring every option to strengthen the team throughout the trade period”.

“We’ll continue to do so throughout this period and we’re hopeful that a couple of players can join the club,” he said.

“We’ll further strengthen and assess every opportunity that pops up.”