AS the Demons take to IKON Park on Friday night, Tyla Hanks will step on the grass for her milestone 50th game at AFLW level.
The 23-year-old has already packed a remarkable career into her short years.
Hanks was drafted to Melbourne as pick number six in 2019 from Gippsland Power and has quickly become one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
Her breakout season was 2021, when she won the AFLW Rising Star award in recognition for a stunning season where she averaged 18 disposals and 3.4 clearances in each of her eleven games.
She also tied for equal first in Melbourne’s Best and Fairest awards, sharing the honour with Paxy Paxman.
The ruthless competitor was a key part of the Demons’ powerful midfield in the 2022 NAB AFLW Grand Final.
Her dramatic mark in the dying seconds of the match was a critical moment that helped seal the club’s maiden AFLW premiership.
Prior to the 2023 season, Hanks was elevated to the position of Vice-Captain, a significant feat for someone so young.
Former Captain Daisy Pearce spoke highly of the young athlete’s maturity and leadership when the honour was announced.
“She’s so mature and selfless for her age…it’s pretty incredible for a 23-year-old who comes into the club with all the talent in the world…but who can see what the team needs,” Pearce said in July when the leadership group was announced.
“Your leadership has always been there, and this is just an opportunity to keep growing and learning.”
Hanks, selfless and self-effacing, hadn’t thought about the milestone, displaying her usual team-forward outlook when she spoke to media on Monday.
“I had forgotten about it, if I’m honest,” Hanks said.
“We have the flag unfurling as well so it won’t be all about me which is good. My little sister will run out with me which will be a nice experience that I’m looking forward to.”
Hanks and the rest of the AFLW Demons will take on Collingwood on Friday night at IKON Park at 7.20pm.
