AFLW 2024: Lily Mithen joins Gold Coast, Tayla Harris deal in limbo

An inaugural Melbourne signing will wear new colours in 2025, but what happened to the other players slated for a monster six-club deal?

Inaugural Melbourne player Lily Mithen has joined Gold Coast but Tayla Harris’ future is clouded after Hawthorn walked away from a six-club deal on the second day of the trade period.

Mithen was the only player to move in a complicated transaction which shifted 16 draft picks across the half-dozen clubs and gave the Suns a suite of picks they could use on a trio of highly-rated academy prospects likely to attract early bids in next week’s draft.

The Demons farewelled the skilful 26-year-old, who is a close friend of captain Kate Hore, after 82 games, but gained the Suns’ picks two and 20 as they sent their first three picks to other clubs.

Lily Mithen has joined Gold Coast after 82 games in nine seasons at Melbourne. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos / Getty Images

Adelaide, Richmond and Geelong all moved higher with their first selections in the draft by entering the deal, while Collingwood did not negotiate for Harris’ signature but added an extra draft pick in the second round.

Harris, whose ninth season was cruelled by a season-ending shoulder injury in round 1, was left without a new home and remained a chance to stay at the Demons.

Hawthorn’s withdrawal from the trade meant separate deals would need to be conducted to bring in Adelaide’s Najwa Allen and trade speedster Charlotte Baskaran to St Kilda.

Fringe North Melbourne ruck Liz McGrath, who played three games for Port Adelaide in the Power’s first season, made West Coast her third club amid a swap of late picks in the only other trade completed on Friday.

Melbourne list boss Todd Patterson said Mithen had been exploring a “lifestyle change” for some time, but only wanted to move if the Demons could secure a high draft pick.

“Lily has been a terrific servant for our club over her journey, and as an inaugural player, her contribution cannot be underestimated,” Patterson said.

“She has been an integral member of a program, and given an enormous amount to her teammates, her coaches and the broader club. To watch her grow from an 18-year-old, as both a player and a person, over the past nine seasons has been incredibly rewarding.

“In recent weeks, Lily and her management team identified an opportunity and lifestyle change that could work for her. Testament to Lily’s character, she was only willing to explore an option that would put the club in a favourable position, such as a return like pick No.2.

“We thank Lily for all she has given during her time in the red and blue. She will forever be part of the Melbourne family.”

Originally published as AFLW 2024: Lily Mithen joins Gold Coast, Tayla Harris deal in limbo