I have to say, with Birch and Gay leaving, it left a massive hole in our key defence.  We had young Gillard who at 20 shows signs of a very bright future but she is still very young.  In 2024 however we saw Maeve Chaplin step into a CHB role and was under pressure, but she excelled.  Certainly Maeve was a big improver with the opportunity presented.  
So it’s great see her season recognized . 
👏👏👏👏

MFC media article 

http://mfcde.es/4hEFEIG

Maeve Chaplin put together a career-best season in 2024, but it wasn’t without effort. 

THE AFLW world is made up of many unique journeys, but arguably none quite as unique as Melbourne defender Maeve Chaplin.

It was just two years ago when Chaplin was first signed by the Dees, only to be delisted by the club a few months later.

Now, after a career-best season, the 22-year-old has put her name in the mix of the top defenders in the league.

is a unique journey, and I'm really grateful for it, I think it's shaped me to be the person I am,” Chaplin said.

“I missed out on two drafts when I was 18 and 19, then got signed as a replacement player.

“Then I got delisted, then drafted again in that same year – the 2022 seasons - and then won a premiership.

“It's a unique start to a football career, but I honestly wouldn't change it. It's going to always make me work hard knowing that nothing comes easy.

I'm just super grateful for the experience Melbourne has been able to give me.”

While it’s been an increase of impact with each season that she’s been at the club, 2024 saw her skyrocket to new levels of talent.

To put her rise into simple numbers - at the end of 2023, she had averaged eight disposals and 3.8 intercepts.

In 2024, she finished the season averaging 6.7 intercepts (10th in the league) and 13.6 disposals, with a disposal efficiency of 78.7% (a team high).

Rather than just a player in the Melbourne backline, Chaplin’s name became known among the league, recognised for her strength and power in the defensive contest.

For the Demon, the season she put together was both a surprise and also a reward for effort, having put in an off-season of hard work.

“I wasn't really expecting it to skyrocket the way it did,” Chaplin said.

“I worked really hard in the off-season, so I feel like it's a surprise, but I also feel like I earned it.

 

9 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

with Birch and Gay leaving, it left a massive hole in our key defence.

She's already better than Birch...

Along with Hore, our best kick of the pill!

Here's the interview:

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1690667/season-review-maeve-chaplin?videoId=1690667&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1731135600001

Interesting that she notes, openly, that, 'we had a game style change half way through the season'.

Coaching awareness, flexibility and courage that I hope filters in to the men's program where many on here feel it's needed.

1 hour ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

we had a game style change half way through the season

I heard Stinear mention it in a press conference - maybe after their first win following the bad stretch. Players returning from injury helped, but changing the game plan was the big shift, I reckon. 

1 hour ago, The Taciturn Demon said:

I heard Stinear mention it in a press conference - maybe after their first win following the bad stretch. Players returning from injury helped, but changing the game plan was the big shift, I reckon. 

I also remember reference to "simplifying things," which I reckon helped a lot too. With so many young/less experienced players, you have to lean into their instincts to some extent.

On topic, great season by Maeve. Best disposal efficiency in the team (for players averaging 10+ disposals). Makes great decisions with and without the footy and is a nice long kick too. You can see how a good offseason helped her get to more contests and she was often prominent late in games.

On 10/11/2024 at 11:54, rjay said:

She's already better than Birch...

She's got a better understanding of team spirit than Birch.  Ooops, I didn't say that!  Seriously, though, you cannot find a happier player at Melbourne than Maeve.  She's so grateful to be at the club, and has the best attitude.

Glad to see some recognition for Chaplin, our only player named in the AA squad for 2024. Well deserved, just hope she makes it through to the final team.

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1255252/aa-squad-six-hawks-named-dee-misses-roos-streak-over

34 minutes ago, Dees_In_October said:

Glad to see some recognition for Chaplin, our only player named in the AA squad for 2024. Well deserved, just hope she makes it through to the final team.

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1255252/aa-squad-six-hawks-named-dee-misses-roos-streak-over

Great effort from Maeve...well deserved on a great season.

How McNamara missed out on the squad is baffling...

edit: will probably have more midfielders playing on the specialist wing position as per usual.

Edited November 12, 20241 yr by rjay

3 minutes ago, rjay said:

Great effort from Maeve...well deserved on a great season.

How McNamara missed out on the squad is baffling...

edit: will probably have more midfielders playing on the specialist wing position as per usual.

Yeah, it's the winger's lot in life, unfortunately.

Tbh I'd be surprised if Chaplin makes it, just given our win-loss.

Delighted to see her outstanding season recognised. Thoroughly deserved.

Kate hore and Eliza McNamara missing out is a joke. 

18 hours ago, BDA said:

Delighted to see her outstanding season recognised. Thoroughly deserved.

Kate hore and Eliza McNamara missing out is a joke. 

Agreed. Kate Hore had one of her very best years. Above average in most KPIs and her leadership was outstanding.  Clearly AFLW Dees are not in the sweetheart group right now.