MEG Downie said she was “incredibly honoured and proud to be part of this movement” and said there was no other team she’d rather play for.

The 27-year-old, recruited from St Kilda Sharks, said she couldn’t wait to start pre-season with Melbourne.

Although she had an injury-interrupted 2016, her return to the game, after three years out of it, reignited the passion to play at the highest level.

Before her return to the Sharks, the centre half-back previously played with the Eastern Devils for four years.

Originally from Buln Buln in Gippsland, Downie said she was privileged to be part of Melbourne’s squad for 2017.

“I think it’s a turn of the tide and in a couple of years we’ll look back and think what an incredible thing that came about,” she told melbournefc.com.au.

“I feel so blessed to be part of women’s football and everything that’s going on at the moment with all of the support around it,” she said.

“To play for the Melbourne Football Club – the whole journey has showed me how professional this club is and how much they support their players.

“Deb [Lee] has also been so supportive along the way.

“To be honest I don’t want to play for any other club and I said that from a couple of weeks ago before I knew any of this was going to happen, so I couldn’t be happier.”