IN just over a weeks' time, Melbourne will celebrate its AFLW night of nights, set to crown the Daisy Pearce Trophy winner.
With a number of Demons putting together impressive individual campaigns, we've taken a look at some of the players who may poll high when the votes get counted next Saturday night.
Alyssa Bannan
A fan-favourite Demon, Bannan was back to her brilliant best this year. The 22-year-old’s speed and infectious energy inside 50 was a spectacle to enjoy throughout 2024. She finished as the team’s leading goal-kicker for the season, kicking 12 majors across her 11 games including a four-goal haul during Week 8.
Blaithin Mackin
Mackin started the season as one of the top performers across the league before injury halted her rise. Her ability to take on the contest and bring the ball forward was an important part of her game. Minus the match in which she was injured, Mackin averaged 17 disposals, and 371 metres gained. Could her early impact be enough to push her high in the count?
Eliza McNamara
2024 was a season that put McNamara’s name on the map. Lining up for Melbourne along the wing, the 22-year-old produced career-best numbers and made regular impact during games with a relentless attitude at the contest. She averaged 22 disposals, seven intercepts and five marks.
Kate Hore
As expected, the Melbourne skipper embraced her second season at the helm. With a dual role, lining up in the midfield and forward line, Hore influenced in more ways than one. From performances that saw her lead the charge inside 50 to displays of strength in the contest, she continued to be a consistent contributor for the red and blue.
Maeve Chaplin
In a breakout year for the Demon, Maeve Chaplin well and truly made her mark in Melbourne’s defence. The young defender was a powerful strength coming out of the backline. She averaged 6.7 intercepts (10th in the league) and 13.6 disposals, with a disposal efficiency of 78.7% (a team high).
Sinead Goldrick
This season, fans got to see even more of Goldrick’s explosive and exciting talent, spending time in various positions across the ground. Her speed and aggressive attack went from strength-to-strength this year as she averaged 16 disposals and six intercepts, also taking her opportunities inside 50, kicking three goals.
Tahlia Gillard
Gillard’s 2024 saw her, once again, lead Melbourne’s backline at just 20 years old. The tall Demon has become an unstoppable force with another year of experience under her belt, now cemented as one of the best lockdown defenders in the league. This season saw her average six intercepts and a league-high six spoils.
Tyla Hanks
A reliable Demon since her first season at the club back in 2019, Hanks provided a level of stability in Melbourne’s midfield this year. The hard-working and crafty Demon led by example as the club’s vice-captain, averaging 18 disposals, five tackles and four clearances.
