MELBOURNE women’s coach Mick Stinear provides an update on all 30 players in the lead-up to the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s competition. Be sure to check back each day over the festive/New Year season, as we present the 2018 squad alphabetically …

Jasmine Grierson

Jas has had a lingering knee injury after a little setback at the end of the VFL season. She’s been in the rehab for the first month of our program. Her attitude in rehab has been brilliant. She brings great energy and enthusiasm to our group. We’re itching to have her back out with our main group, but we’ll just have to wait until the New Year. Like last season, Jas will be a key part of our defence, and she has the ability to go forward as well. We’re looking forward to getting her back.

Maddy Guerin

Maddy joined us through the NAB AFL Women’s Draft. She’s just completed her year 12 and got her results, and is now looking at uni courses. Maddy has had a great start to our program and there is an initial period of adjusting to AFLW standard and expectations. She just brings genuine leg speed and loves the ball in her hands. Maddy is super keen to learn, so she’s really enjoying the environment and connecting with her teammates really well.

Ashleigh Guest

Guesty joined us in the NAB AFL Women’s trade and signing period from GWS. She’s really committed to her footy and determined to get the best out of herself. Guesty looks to be settling in nicely through wing or half-back. She reads the ball really well and is a competitor, and has a nice left foot, which can open up the ground offensively. Guesty continues to grow and develop at the club and we’re looking forward to watching her in the New Year and getting close to games.

Mel Hickey

Mel’s been fantastic in the first month of the program. She leads the way on-field, by her actions, and she’s been excellent with her conditioning. Her voice and communication on-field, and her engagement with her teammates has been outstanding. We’re really looking forward to seeing that translate when the games come around. Her body is in the best condition it’s been for a while. She’s ready to be a key contributor in our midfield and will be one to watch next season.

Erin Hoare

Erin joined us as a pre-listed rookie and comes from a netball background. She had a really good development year with Geelong in the VFLW. Erin has got better with every session – she has great aerobic capacity and is a genuine athlete. Erin’s going to be able to give us first use in the ruck and she continues to build on her kicking and marking game, which improves with every session. A quality teammate and very professional, Erin is a great person to have around the club.