TAHLIA Gillard, Georgia Gall, Megan Fitzsimon, Alyssia Pisano, Jacinta Hose, Denby Taylor, Saraid Taylor, and Grace Beasley have all put pen to paper, inking new contract extensions with Melbourne’s AFLW team.

Pisano, Hose, and D.Taylor have all committed for one year, while Gall, Fitzsimon, S.Taylor and Beasley will remain in the red and blue for the next two seasons.

In a show of confidence for the program, Gillard has signed an incredible three-year contract with the Demons, which means the Melbourne faithful will be able to watch the gun defender until at least the end of 2027.

AFLW List Manager Todd Patterson expressed his delight at the mass re-signing.

“The star power in this group is fantastic, and the enthusiasm and passion that they each bring is integral to the growth of our program,” Patterson said.

“They represent the next generation of leaders in our team, and their commitment to their teammates and coaches is first-class.

“They have each shown enormous growth in their time so far, and we look forward to watching their continued development as both players and people.”

Gillard is a core part of the defensive line and is one of the league leaders in one-percenters and intercepts.

The 21-year-old is one of the rising stars of the AFLW, having been named in the 2023 All-Australian and 22under22 squads for her skills around the contest.

Gall has developed enormously in 2024, having played nine games of a possible 11 in 2024.

The emerging key forward played her best game in Week 8 against Richmond, where she managed 10 disposals and two goals.

Fitzsimon has continued to go from strength to strength, and had her career-best season in 2024.

Her consistency in front of goal, and enhanced time in the midfield and on the wing, allowed the competitive beast to shine.

She was recognised by her peers by being awarded the Demon Spirit Award in 2024, an honour bestowed on the player who most embodies the club’s values.

Pisano was selected at pick No.6 in the 2024 AFLW draft, hailing from the Eastern Ranges.

Her goal sense and classy skills have already excited Dees fans, which her coaches and teammates eager to watch the 19-year-old continue to develop.

Hose is a talented tall who was also drafted in 2023, but was immediately moved to the inactive list as she recovered from an ACL injury sustained just prior to the draft.

Despite not being able to play, she has continued to develop close relationships with players and staff and has built her footy IQ from watching on the sidelines.

Coaches are excited to see what the ruck can achieve once she completes her ACL rehabilitation.

D.Taylor was a late recruit to the Demons, called up on the eve of the 2024 season after Aimee Mackin sustained an ACL injury while in Ireland.

This led to an opportunity to bring in the talented defender, who had impressed at Geelong and in her junior years.

Taylor made her debut in Week 4 against Fremantle and has already fit seamlessly into the defensive unit.

S.Taylor is a cross-code athlete who brings her experience as a professional basketballer to the team.

Despite setbacks with injury, she is an inordinately resilient person who continues to excel as a teammate.

She was awarded the Club Ambassador Award in 2024, given to the individual who makes a meaningful impact outside of the football club. Taylor embodies this role with positivity and professionalism.

Beasley is also from an elite basketball background, having played college basketball in the US for six years.

Sadly, her debut year was cut short due to a mid-season ACL injury, however, the midfielder has approached her rehab with customary determination and will continue to impact the team throughout their next campaign.

This contract announcement comes following the news that Lauren Pearce, Paxy Paxman, Sarah Lampard, Tayla Harris and Gabby Colvin have all signed on with the Demons for the upcoming season.