Not sure if this has been mentioned elsewhere, but Blaithin Mackin will sit out the 2026 season.

https://x.com/edbourkeHS/status/2023623301189214580

Perhaps someone with access to Code Sports can post the linked article, but it seems as though homesickness is the issue here.

Apparently there will be another draft in April or thereabouts for teams to top up their lists, rather than it being open slather with replacement players.

5 minutes ago, poita said:

Not sure if this has been mentioned elsewhere, but Blaithin Mackin will sit out the 2026 season.

https://x.com/edbourkeHS/status/2023623301189214580

Perhaps someone with access to Code Sports can post the linked article, but it seems as though homesickness is the issue here.

Apparently there will be another draft in April or thereabouts for teams to top up their lists, rather than it being open slather with replacement players.

She is a big loss...

Bugger....one of the most talented to come to our side from Ireland. Hope her sister Aimee isn't feeling the same.....

Very disappointing news. She was one of our top performers

'It is hard': The double life of Mackin as an Irish AFLW...

Melbourne premiership player Blaithin Mackin loves playing both Gaelic and AFLW — but it means living a double life.

@george_on_the_outer there were hints of homesickness in this 20 November 2025 article. "I feel like it is hard. You're not fully settled anywhere, which sometimes I find tricky," Mackin told ABC Sport.

B was a gun. Her energy, evasiveness and on-field leadership will be sorely missed. On A, there's been no news. Meggs does not expect Aimee to return.

Kudos to @Katrina Dee Fan who broke this news a few months ago.

As @poita alluded to, the AFLW is planning to hold a first-ever pre-season draft in early May. So, a brand new Demon will join us, which is exciting!

Meanwhile Clare P, how's the coach recruiting process coming along, any news?

Edited 7 hours ago7 hr by Meggs
Grammar