MELBOURNE officially launched their 2018 AFLW season at The Craft & Co in Collingwood on Wednesday evening.

AFLW players enjoyed a relaxed and informal event with family, friends and supporters, sharing in the excitement of the upcoming season.

The club’s ‘dream bigger’ theme was prominent throughout the night, with junior players from St Peters, Mordialloc-Braeside and Waverley Park Hawks invited to present the team with their 2018 guernseys.

The young aspiring footballers received a cap on stage, while childhood photographs of each AFLW player were displayed on screen to tie in with the concept.

Addressing the crowd at the beginning of the evening, coach Mick Stinear expressed his gratitude towards his players.

“As a club, we are very proud of the individuals that make up our team. Each player was targeted to represent our club and one thing they all have in common is massive hearts,” Stinear said.

“Possessing a massive heart can be vulnerable at times, but it can also allow you to overcome adversity, remove limitations and achieve great things together.

“It’s the great things that this group is determined to achieve this year.”

Melbourne also honoured its tradition of presenting a ring to every new women’s player to join the club.

Captain Daisy Pearce and AFL co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney conducted the presentation, with 10 recruits receiving the silver band.

A symbol of unity and commemoration, the rings are more than just a physical token for the players.

“Just to be able to look at it every day and know you’re a part of this pioneering football club for women’s football, it’s very significant,” defender Brooke Patterson told melbournefc.com.au.

“In the future, it’s going to mean a lot as well, looking back and being able to show the grandchildren what I was a part of.”

The intimate venue allowed for supporters to mingle with the players, take some photographs and revel in their excitement for the 2018 season.

Melbourne’s 2018 AFLW campaign will commence on Saturday, February 3^rd at 5.05pm, hosting the GWS Giants at Casey Fields.