SEVEN years, 72 games, one premiership, five All Australians, two club best and fairests.
Paxy Paxman has achieved a lot since the inception of AFLW in 2017 and isn’t slowing down anytime soon, the Demon just 31 days away from beginning her ninth season in the competition.
“I feel pumped,” Paxman said.
“Nine seasons has just flown, to think it's been almost ten years at the Dees, it's pretty crazy.
“We’re kind of getting into some match play now heading into praccy matches, so that'll be cool to see where we’re at.
“We’ve also got so many new girls, so it'll be cool to get them out on the track and see how they go.”
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A foundation player for the Melbourne Football Club, the fan favourite has created a uniquely memorable legacy over the past eight seasons of AFLW, known for her slick skills and lovable mullet.
During her time at the Dees, Paxman has become a crucial figure in the development of the club’s women’s program, a leader alongside former caption Daisy Pearce and an influential player across the league with a number of accolades to her name.
“I think my role pretty much stays the same with whoever,” Paxman said.
“[I also] just want to be there if and when they need a chat, hopefully making them feel comfortable. That's probably my aim.”
Having stepped away from a leadership role last season, the veteran Demon has made her way back into the formal position of leader, named in an extended group alongside Kate Hore (captain), Tyla Hanks (vice-captain) and Sarah Lampard.
“I think we've always had really strong leaders at the club and I felt last season was just a nice time to step away and encourage some others to step forward,” Paxman said.
“I'm going to be the same whether I'm in the formal leadership group or not.
“Each year is so different, with different personnel and different dynamics.
“This season, we've got a few new players, so it was a good time to step back in.
“Last year, it felt right to step away, but this year, it felt right to step back in. So, that's how it all fell into place.”
With former skipper and partner-in-crime Pearce retiring in 2023, Paxman joined the rest of the playing group in looking towards a new era of leadership, Hore and Hanks taking the reins.
“They’re great, they did so well, which is not surprising at all,” Paxman said.
“They’re just good people, they’re so genuine, they lead from the front with how they go about things on and off the field.
“To be sharing leadership with them and supporting them is so good.”
Paxman is one of just a handful of Demons still remaining from the inaugural side in 2017, one of those also being senior coach Mick Stinear.
Stinear is much-loved amongst the club and playing group and brings a special level of care to his role each year.
This season, Paxman explained Stinear’s clear focus for the team in 2024.
“He's so creative. And he just brings so many new ideas and things into each season,” Paxman said.
“I don't know how he does it, to be honest, he must be always thinking.
“On and off the field, trying to reflect gold standard behaviours.”
Melbourne’s first test of 2024 will be next Friday in a match simulation against Carlton, before an official practice match against Port Adelaide the following week.
The season will officially kick off on Saturday 31 August when the Dees travel down the highway to face the Cats. Tickets are available here.
