In this article on the Top 10 biggest questions for AFLW 2023, I'm sure you can all guess the one related to the Dees!

https://www.womens.afl/news/122540?_ga=2.169718247.73516909.1692161723-2126436883.1692161721

"Daisy Pearce's impact as a leader and coach has been discussed at length, and is something Melbourne has been working to cover since the star retired in January. Her impact as a player, however, has been largely forgotten. Playing her final seasons as a forward, Pearce was often tasked with roles on damaging opposition defenders, while also kicking 19 goals across both 2022 seasons. A combination of new captain Kate Hore, experienced player Eden Zanker, emerging star Alyssa Bannan and new recruit Aimee Mackin may just be enough to cover the loss of Daisy on-field."

It's interesting because I feel among fans we tend to focus more on Daisy's leadership value in recent seasons, while respectfully hinting at a drop-off in contribution on the field. She certainly still had the ability to pop up in big moments (that classy goal in the Prelim against Nth) and may have had a nullifying defensive impact. But looking at the stats in the cold light of day, for Season 7... well, I won't go into detail but Daisy was well aware and made her decision accordingly.

I guess it's inevitable, but it's a bit of a lazy narrative.

Inspiring stuff, seems like just yesterday Sammie’s pregnancy was announced (though I’m sure it doesn’t feel like that to her!).

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1407387/sammie-is-back-johnson-re-joins-primary-list

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwEnSl1BOkL/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

On 8/16/2023 at 10:27 AM, Brownie said:

Loved those photos on insta of you and the girls WCW.

Exciting (too short) season ahead.

Link to the Livestream would be cool if anyone sees it buried on the AFL site.

Live stream here:

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1407010/aflw-at-casey-practice-match-info
Not sure if it will be available to watch later or if it’s live only.

Someone hasn't flicked the switch! Infuriating!

 

Yeah it’s not working for me either

"Watch live"... Pffttt!

disappointed I can't watch..

Finally!

Only 41/2 minutes missed!

holy [censored] Bannan is a weapon

3.8 oh dear

EDEN ZANKER IS A DESTROYER OF WORLDS

Couple of notes on a comfortable (if shockingly inaccurate) win.

McNamara and B.Mackin on the wings, a great combo. McNamara moving well and covered heaps of ground, super involved. Sherriff forward, which aside from anything else creates confusion between the speedy brunettes 16 & 18 in long sleeves! Hore with a few centre bounce attendances. Good to see Colvin back and she was solid as per her season 6 form - when the ball made it down. Campbell, previously a forward, played in the ruck late and looks a backup option there. Took one really strong grab.

Stand out: Zanker. Not about the 4 goals she kicked but the way she played - full of confidence, using her body, crafty. Could go a level up again this season.

All the above comes with the disclaimer of the preseason nature of the game, the Casey conditions and the oppo (though the margin doesn’t convey the Hawks’ intensity in the second half which blocked us up pretty well).

All of the list featured minus Gay, Gall, Fowler, Ivey, A.Mackin, Watt. 

Cobwebs blown out. No obvious injuries. ✅

Melb 8.16.64

Hawks 0.6.6

I’ll be honest I thought Campbell was not going to make it. She played as a forward in a couple of the early VFLW games and looked out of place. 
As Dees in October said she played in the ruck today and was getting a lot of air at the centre bounces. Apparently she was a Victorian age high jumper so that will explain the leap. In the last she was out jumping the Hawks ruck and hitting the ball forward where our mids would run onto it and kick quickly to the forwards. 
Early days but looked good. 

12 hours ago, FarNorthernD said:

I’ll be honest I thought Campbell was not going to make it. She played as a forward in a couple of the early VFLW games and looked out of place. 
As Dees in October said she played in the ruck today and was getting a lot of air at the centre bounces. Apparently she was a Victorian age high jumper so that will explain the leap. In the last she was out jumping the Hawks ruck and hitting the ball forward where our mids would run onto it and kick quickly to the forwards. 
Early days but looked good. 

We have a ‘Gawn type issue’ in the women’s team with a dominant ruck coming nearer to the end and Lauren also struggles to impact forward to allow a back up decent minutes. It’s not one to worry about just yet but it’s the one downside to the amazing strike rate of rucks this club has had for 40 years.

On 8/19/2023 at 4:21 PM, Dees_In_October said:

Couple of notes on a comfortable (if shockingly inaccurate) win.

McNamara and B.Mackin on the wings, a great combo. McNamara moving well and covered heaps of ground, super involved. Sherriff forward, which aside from anything else creates confusion between the speedy brunettes 16 & 18 in long sleeves! Hore with a few centre bounce attendances. Good to see Colvin back and she was solid as per her season 6 form - when the ball made it down. Campbell, previously a forward, played in the ruck late and looks a backup option there. Took one really strong grab.

Stand out: Zanker. Not about the 4 goals she kicked but the way she played - full of confidence, using her body, crafty. Could go a level up again this season.

All the above comes with the disclaimer of the preseason nature of the game, the Casey conditions and the oppo (though the margin doesn’t convey the Hawks’ intensity in the second half which blocked us up pretty well).

All of the list featured minus Gay, Gall, Fowler, Ivey, A.Mackin, Watt. 

Cobwebs blown out. No obvious injuries. ✅

Melb 8.16.64

Hawks 0.6.6

Maeve Chaplin out with concussion protocol.  She should be back for Round 1, though.

From the final preseason training gallery, great to see Ben continuing his AFLW work.