deanox

That is outstanding. Gillard has the potential to be the premier key defender in the comp. And the girls on 2 years are all ones we want to hold on to. Here is a link to the source: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1706290/emerging-guns-re-sign

Lampard and Pearce for 2 years, the others for one year it said. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1706287/demon-veterans-sign-on Also officially notes that Aimee Mackin will remain in the inactive list, but doesn't say for how long etc.

This highlights reel is exceptional. Kicking 45m+, hitting targets on leads, ball winning ability, clean pick ups of bouncing ball on the run, smart positioning around the contest to be first receiver, followed by power and speed to get away from the contest. I know it's a highlights reel, not a complete summary, but it's exciting to see just how high the standard is for this draft crop.

Very excited, she's exactly what we need in our mix.

The article on our website says 46 is gone. I doubt we'd get that wrong!

@Lucifers Hero no more started based drafting - it's a national draft this year. And I think we also traded out pick 46 as part of the Mithen deal.

I'd be disappointed if she walked to the draft after the optics of her exit from Carlton and move to the dees. She was being smashed in the media and by Carlton, and we stepped in and took her in. From what I can tell we've provided good support both in and out of football. I understand that this is a business, and that for the AFLW players in particular, the salaries aren't that high and careers are short. But I do think there needs to be an element of loyalty in return when you are looked after.

With Tayla Harris you are paying for potential. Her potential to us is worth a lot. And I'd want a pretty high pick, access to equivalent potential, in return.

I think this bolded part is why we have been willing to trade out Birch, West and now Mithin. Not saying they aren't good players who would have continued to be part of our team, but collectively they lacked the size/height and pace of the next generation. From a list management perspective you need to trade something out to bring something in. And if we want to bring in top picks to set up that next tilt, we need to give something up. You can also only have so many players in each tier, and if you want to retain young stars coming through, you need to have spots for them in your structure. Mithin and Birth would definitely have been relatively higher up the pay structure tiers too.

Lily Mithen is currently 26 and will be 28 for age at EOC. Not sure if we need to do a review of other ages too.

And Gillard.

I saw a report that I think Collingwood and Hawthorn were after her, but that we were still negotiating with her. I'd be disappointed if she chose to leave, given I feel like we've really looked after her, especially after the debacle that was her exit from Carlton.

Let's see the jig @Ted Lasso!

I thought they went to a farm out near Geelong. But maybe that was just Clarry? 😂