LAST WEEK’S AFLW Season Launch continued a special tradition for the Melbourne Football Club, with new arrivals gifted rings.
The mementos, which have been a notable feature since the inaugural season of the AFL Women’s competition, are in recognition of each player’s recruitment to the club.
This year’s event saw Olivia Purcell, Tayla Harris and Eliza West receive their unique silver bands, engraved with each player’s selection number, alongside draftees Georgia Campbell, Tahlia Gillard and Ali Brown.
For Harris, whose ring represents her being the 65th AFLW Demon on the list, it was a special moment to be part of.
“A ring like this is something that I can cherish for the rest of my life,” she told Melbourne Media after the presentation.
“It’s engraved with my number – I’m the 65th player on the list and I think this is something I will hold dear.
“It’s not going to end up on eBay, so don’t be looking out for it.
“Tonight, I got engaged to the Melbourne Football Club, so I intend to commit to the club for a long time.”
The idea of gifting the rings was born out of the Demons’ inaugural playing list and has since become a meaningful part of joining the red and blue.
Treasured among the group, the rings are a further way to celebrate each player’s contribution and commitment to the club.
The night was also the first opportunity for all players and their family members to come together in anticipation of the 2022 season.
Attendees heard from CEO Gary Pert, captain Daisy Pearce and senior coach Mick Stinear, before the playing group were presented with their jumpers ahead of Round 1, which is now less than a month away.
“This is always the night you get a little bit excited for, with the season just around the corner,” Harris said.
“I’m just excited to play with my mates. These are people that I’ve got to become incredible friends with.
“I watch how they go about their day-to-day life, and I just respect them so highly, and to go out into battle with them, and to have only the intentions to protect and to play my best and do my best for them, is a recipe for a great team.”
Melbourne’s 2022 campaign officially kicks off on January 8, with a blockbuster clash against the Western Bulldogs.
You can join the Demons’ journey by signing up as a member here, which gains you access to all home games at Casey Fields.
