LILY Mithen has recommitted to Melbourne and will play at the club in the 2019 AFLW season, but Mel Hickey has decided to leave the red and blue and join Geelong Cats.
Mithen, 20, who hails from Geelong, opted to remain at Melbourne instead of signing with the Cats, as they prepare to make their debut in the AFLW season next year.
She has played all 14 AFLW games for Melbourne and represented Victoria in 2017.
Mithen is the daughter of sports commentator, radio presenter, racehorse owner and breeder Anthony, who was previously on Richmond’s board.
AFLW talent manager Todd Patterson said the club was rapt to have Mithen remain in the red and blue.
“We are over the moon with the news that Lily will re-sign when the signing period opens,” he told Melbourne Media.
“She is a fantastic character to have around our club and one of the up and coming midfielders in the competition.”
Along with Hickey, Melbourne has also lost Richelle ‘Rocky’ Cranston, Erin Hoare and Anna Teague to the Cats. The trio all came from Geelong in the VFLW.
Patterson said the departure of players to new teams was always going to happen.
“Unfortunately, with the introduction of new teams, losing players to help build these clubs was always a reality we were going to have to face,” he said.
“Whilst disappointed to lose the four players we respect their decision and thank them for their service.”
Hickey joined Melbourne as a marquee player, along with Daisy Pearce, in the lead-up to the first AFLW season in 2017.
The 33-year-old was a member of the 2017 AFLW All-Australian team and played 13 matches for Melbourne.
She missed the final home and away match of the 2018 season, after injuring her anterior cruciate ligament.
Hickey comes from a strong football family, with her great, great uncle Pat Hickey playing in the inaugural VFL round in 1897. He played with Fitzroy and won two flags for the Roys.
Her grandfather’s cousin was Geelong legend Reg Hickey, while she is also related to former Port Adelaide captain and coach Matthew Primus.
But Patterson said the club had already set its sights on the trade/sign period.
“We are certainly interested to see what players will need new homes through the trade/sign period and should an opportunity present itself to build the strength of our squad we will certainly exhaust all options to make this a reality,” he said.
