MELBOURNE’S foundation players have signed on, with Lily Mithen, Paxy Paxman, Lauren Pearce and Sarah Lampard all re-committing to the red and blue.
The quartet, who were drafted by Melbourne in the 2016 AFLW draft, were inaugural Demons in the 2017 AFLW season, with new deals set to take them through to a ninth campaign with the club.
Mithen (25) has signed a three-year deal, that will extend her time until at least 2026, while Paxman (35), Pearce (30) and Lampard (26) have signed one-year contracts, that will see them remain with the Dees until at least 2024.
AFLW List Manager Todd Patterson praised the group and the long-term commitment the four have made as inaugural players.
“This group of players have been directly responsible for the program and culture we’ve built to this point and remain significant contributors on and off the field,” Patterson said.
“Loyalty is a difficult part of being an AFLW player with new sides coming and lots of frequent movement, so the statement this group continues to make is significant and they will forever be held in the highest regard within our club.”
Mithen is both a much-loved teammate, and one of the most fiercely competitive midfielders in the competition.
She averaged 16 disposals per game in season 2023, and her ability to connect between the forwards and backline makes her an important cog in the Demons’ midfield mix.
The 25-year-old was recognised at Saturday night’s Best and Fairest event, claiming the Demon Spirit Award for the player who best embodied the club’s values this past season.
Paxman’s campaign was slightly marred by hamstring injury, but she remains one of the most dangerous midfielders in the league, averaging 18 disposals per game.
She is a five-time All Australian, played 72 games across her career, and is one of the most respected stalwarts of the AFLW competition.
Pearce, a two-time All Australian, has the fourth-highest hitout count. Averaging 12 disposals a game, she brings speed to the centre, playing an important role as an extra midfielder.
As one of the leading rucks in the competition, Pearce also provides valuable mentorship to up-and-coming players like Georgia Campbell.
The 30-year-old was rewarded for another impressive campaign, finishing third in Melbourne’s 2023 Best and Fairest.
Lampard suffered a season-ending wrist injury in Round 7, but successfully underwent surgery on her fracture and will be aiming for full fitness in season 2024.
Her impact in defence cannot be overstated, with the tough hitter averaging 11 disposals and three tackles per match.
Melbourne announced on Friday that captain Kate Hore and vice-captain Tyla Hanks had both signed four-year deals, which would keep them with the Dees until at least 2027.
