FORMER Volleyroos captain Shae Sloane has joined Melbourne for the 2019 AFLW Season.

Sloane, 26, brings a prominent sporting background, with her experience at the elite level sparking initial interest among recruiters.

“We have been in discussions with Shae for a number of months about coming across to play AFLW,” Melbourne AFLW list manager Todd Patterson told Melbourne Media.

“We identified Shae as someone with real athletic potential and fantastic character, given she has captained her country.”

The sister of Adelaide vice-captain Rory, Sloane’s interest in football began in her junior years, playing for Upwey Tecoma up until Under 12s.

Having the option of signing up to two out-of-sport rookies that haven’t played a registered game of football for three or more years, Patterson said the club was looking forward to bringing out this passion again.

“It is a real plus that Shae has played some football as a junior at Upwey and she will play her first game in the VFLW for Casey this weekend,” he said.

“We are excited to have 6 months to invest in developing Shae prior to the start of the next AFLW pre-season and think she will add value in a variety of areas of the ground given her size and athletic ability.”

The signing follows a solid Trade Period for the Demons, securing Maddison Gay (Carlton) and Talia Radan (Adelaide Crows).

They will also have picks 6, 15, 31, 43 and 51 in the upcoming AFLW Draft.

Sloane’s first hit-out for the Casey Demons will take place this Saturday, when the side faces the Western Bulldogs at Casey Fields.