REIGNING premier Melbourne has come into its first day of AFLW pre-season as the hunted, after defeating Brisbane by four points in last year's Grand Final.
Young leader Lily Mithen said not much had changed for the Demons, who are eager to replicate their success and become the first AFLW team to defend their flag.
"It's definitely exciting to be back after a longer off-season, compared to last year where [the seasons were] back-to-back. It's so great to be back amongst the group and officially have everyone back together," Mithen told reporters on Monday.
"I wouldn't say it's all that different being reigning premiers at this point in time, but it's definitely nice to know we've done a heap of work up until this point, and we’ll be chasing similar success in the season to come."
Melbourne will be without inspirational captain Daisy Pearce after the inaugural Dee retired late last year, but kept its group almost completely intact over a tumultuous player trade period.
"There was a lot of movement, and we were really fortunate having a committed group to this footy club. It probably will be one of our strengths this year, given how solid our list is in terms of the amount we've played together and what we've been able to achieve, and hopefully what we will continue to achieve," Mithen said.
"I think the fact we've stuck together shows the culture we have at the club and everyone's willingness to turn other deals away, stay true to this footy club and what is hopefully another premiership year.
"Obviously that's a big loss, it's not 'just' Daisy. She's been phenomenal for the footy club, and we can't thank her (enough) for her contribution to us all as people and the club as a whole.
"Daisy gave everyone else her knowledge and wisdom along the way, so we've all got little Daisy-isms that we'll live on every day at the club."
Shelley Scott (now at Geelong) and Elise O'Dea (retired) captained Melbourne in the one season Pearce was sidelined through pregnancy, meaning it'll be a fresh wave of leaders who take the reins going forward, with Mithen mentioning Tyla Hanks, Libby Birch and Tayla Harris among others.
"Kate Hore as vice-captain did a tremendous job. But there are so many other people who can step into that role, and I don't think that'll be a conversation we'll have any time soon," Mithen said.
"It'll be one that continues to build and evolve and see how the group functions, I guess, without Daisy, because we've only known the footy club with Daisy at the top. So we'll see how the group falls into place."
The AFLW pre-season has begun without a finalised Collective Bargaining Agreement, which for the first time is being negotiated alongside the men's edition, while a fixture and season length is also yet to be announced.
"I wouldn't say [it's] frustrating. We've been in this position before where there's been uncertainty about dates and things like that, but I guess there's times you need to wait, and times you need to push," Mithen said.
"I think everyone's comfortable with the way it's tracking, we know the outcome will be beneficial for us as a playing group and combining it with the men's will have benefits for us all."
