MELBOURNE has locked in its Irish talent, with the news that Sinead Goldrick, Blaithin Mackin, and Aimee Mackin have all signed new contracts with the Dees.
Goldrick has committed to be a Demon until at least the end of 2025, while Aimee Mackin and sister Blaithin will return until at least the end of 2024 and 2026, respectively.
Todd Patterson, AFLW List Manager, spoke highly of the Irish connection to Melbourne, and in particular of the three players who have made such a huge leap in crossing codes and oceans.
“What a special group of people to recommit to our club,” Patterson said.
“They each have such unique stories, despite coming from the same country to play our great game, and even the same family.”
Patterson highlighted the outstanding impact and contributions each have made to the Demons during their time at the club to date.
“Sinead had an outstanding season and showed exactly what it means to play with Demon Spirit, when the game demanded it the most,” Patterson said.
“We can’t wait to see Sinead go to another level again over the next two years.
“We just love the Mackin sisters, and it was great for Aimee to get a taste of the action this past season.
“For Blaithin to commit for an extended period of time is extremely exciting for us, and we expect she will continue to flourish and grow in importance with us.”
Goldrick first came across to Australia from Ireland for the 2020 season, and quickly excelled as a cross-code athlete.
She has played at the highest level in both Gaelic football and Australian Rules football, captaining the Dublin Ladies in the 2014 All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship final and was a member of the Dublin team that won the All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
In 2020, she won her eighth All-Star award (equivalent to being selected for an All-Australian squad).
In AFLW season 2023, Goldrick surpassed her previous best, playing in all twelve games. Averaging twelve disposals and four tackles per match, she was recognised by the coaches by coming equal fourth in the Best and Fairest count last Saturday night.
Blaithin Mackin joined the Dees before season 7 in 2022, as one of the superstars from Armagh in the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA).
Like other Irish recruits to Melbourne, Mackin took to AFLW swiftly and played in 10 of the 13 matches of season 7, including the 2022 Grand Final.
In 2023, she continued her excellent form, averaging fourteen disposals per game and kicking five goals.
Aimee Mackin became a Demon in 2023, following in her sister’s footsteps. The pair are the first siblings to play together in Melbourne AFLW history.
As the older of the sisters, Mackin is one of the icons of the LGFA. She was awarded the 2020 Senior Players’ Player of the Year – the equivalent of the league’s Best and Fairest. She was also selected three times in the All-Star team.
In season 2023, Mackin played in six of a possible twelve matches, making her debut against the Hawks only a month after arriving in Australia. She averaged nine disposals and kicked two goals.
The Irish trio join ten other Demons who have committed to the red and blue in recent days, with further signings to come before the AFLW Draft on Monday 18 December.
