MELBOURNE has made two changes to its AFLW list, with Jordan Ivey and Samantha Johnson informed they will not be offered contracts for the 2024 season.
The duo joined the Demons midway through 2022 – Ivey recruited from Geelong and Johnson earning her opportunity through the AFLW Draft – and went onto play six and three games respectively.
Melbourne AFLW List Manager Todd Patterson thanked the pair for their significant contributions.
“As everyone is aware, it’s difficult to come to these decisions, but we must continue to find ways for our list to evolve and grow,” Patterson said.
“Both Sammie and Jordi have had a significant impact on the program and have pushed themselves, and their teammates, every day to get better.
“It’s an incredible effort that Sammie was able to return so quickly post-pregnancy, and put herself in a position that we had full confidence she could play at the level.
“She has had a deep impact on our program, even before officially joining it with her outstanding leadership at Casey, and welcoming her family to our club has been one of the more special parts of our history to date.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the best of Jordi due to persistent injuries.
“Jordi has had a terrific career to date and we saw snippets of what she is capable of. However, we aren’t in a position currently to forecast her availability for next season.”
Ivey managed three matches this season, averaging five disposals per game.
She made Melbourne home ahead of Season 7 of the competition, following four seasons at the Cats and a stint at Carlton.
Johnson was selected by the Demons with pick No.59 in the 2022 AFLW Draft after an impressive VFLW campaign for Casey.
This year saw her move back to the primary playing list, having sat out the majority of last season due to the birth of her son, Luca.
Johnson played a pre-season practice match and was an emergency for the team on several occasions.
Melbourne has now farewelled three players since season’s end, with Georgie Fowler last week announcing she will step away from the game to focus on her life outside of football.
