Melbourne AFLW player profiles for 2018 season

MELBOURNE is eyeing a climb with a bigger, maybe even better, Daisy Pearce and the Demons have a couple more code-hoppers who have jumped to footy.

MELBOURNE is eyeing a climb with a bigger, maybe even better, Daisy Pearce.

The Demons have a couple more code-hoppers after Tegan Cunningham (basketball) and Erin Hoare (netball) made the jump to footy.

Cunningham has impressed in practice matches and is expected to be a key figure in the forward line.

Lily Mithen is among players who could take the next step.

BONDI CAMP: DEES ROAD TRIP FORMS STRONG BONDS

CAPTAIN’S POLL: DEMONS, BLUES TIPPED TO RISE

ROUND 1: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AFLW02

WNBL basketballer Tegan Cunningham has joined the Demons. Picture: Chris Eastman

Coach: Mick Stinear

Captain: Daisy Pearce

Last year: 3rd (5-2)

Average age: 24

Average height: 173cm

Youngest player: Eden Zanker (18)

Oldest player: Melissa Hickey (33)

Odds: $5

THE QUOTE

“We’re in a really good position to carry on momentum from the end of last year and take things to a whole other level.”

— Mick Stinear.

MELBOURNE AFLW PLAYER PROFILES

1. Tegan Cunningham

Age: 30 Hgt: 186cm

Forward

Code-hopping former basketballer has impressed with her professionalism. A target up forward who will share workload with Alyssa Mifsud.

2. Meg Downie

Age: 29 Hgt: 176cm

Defender

Will be looking to fire after her first season was cruelled by a heavy concussion, then a ruptured hamstring. Very solid down back.

3. Emma Humphries

Age: 22 Hgt: 164cm

Midfielder

Played every game last season and developed further playing in Tasmania. Has worked hard on her fitness and pressure.

4. Karen Paxman

Age: 29 Hgt: 170cm

Midfielder

Runner-up in the AFLW01 best-and-fairest. Works so hard in the middle and gets plenty of leather. Has been doing plenty in the gym. Look out.

5. Elise O’Dea

Age: 26 Hgt: 172cm

Midfielder

Another key in the midfield who stands up when required. Leader who lifts her teammates.

6. Daisy Pearce

Age: 29 Hgt: 170cm

Midfielder

Class player determined to go to the next level. Worked hard in the gym during off-season to improve her power and presence around the ball.

Daisy Pearce.

7. Bianca Jakobsson

Age: 24 Hgt: 174cm

Forward

From Carlton and will be a valued addition to the backline as Mel Hickey eyes more midfield time. Marking ability a key asset.

8. Sarah Lampard

Age: 20 Hgt: 170cm

Defender

Does her best work on the rebound and showing benefits of a promising VFLW season. Fitness has since been a focus.

9. Alyssa Mifsud

Age: 23 Hgt: 184cm

Forward

One of the purest ball-users in the competition will be a key element in attack.

10. Kate Hore

Age: 22 Hgt: 170cm

Forward

High-level basketballer has jumped codes with aplomb, delivering consistently in front of goal. Sets a high standard of professionalism. Played juniors with AFL Demon Jayden Hunt.

11. Laura Duryea

Age: 34 Hgt: 176cm

Defender

Delivered last year and expected to be a consistent performer in AFLW02. Has worked on her marking.

12. Shelley Scott

Age: 29 Hgt: 176cm

Defender/forward

The dairy farmer had a difficult pre-season as she battled a knee injury, but back in action now. Can be swung between attack and defence.

13. Katherine Smith

Age: 20 Hgt: 164cm

Defender

Rising Star nominee in AFLW01 has grown considerably. Keen learner and unrelenting competitor.

14. Lily Mithen

Age: 19 Hgt: 159cm

Midfielder

Had another huge VFLW season with Geelong and will again bring her unparalleled competitiveness this season. Emerging star.

Lily Mithen.

15. Lauren Pearce

Age: 25 Hgt: 184cm

Ruck

Will be aided by the addition of Erin Hoare after wearing sole ruck duties in AFLW01. Will also feature up forward.

16. Aliesha Newman

Age: 22 Hgt: 158cm

Forward

Was very green last year, but honed her game in the VFLW. Expected to strongly utilise her speed.

17. Ashleigh Guest

Age: 27 Hgt: 168cm

Midfielder

Former Giant who has a fierce left foot. Stood out across the wing and half-back in a recent practice match.

18. Mel Hickey

Age: 33 Hgt: 172cm

Defender

Star who is expected to spend more time in the midfield and across half-back this season. Proven leader.

Mel Hickey.

19. Jasmine Grierson

Age: 19 Hgt: 171cm

Defender/forward

Missed the start of the pre-season due to a knee injury but will be valuable in attack and defence.

20. Claudia Whitford

Age: 18 Hgt: 171cm

Defender

State level netballer, athlete and lifesaver. Powerful and, with ball work, will become a well-rounded footballer.

21. Harriet Cordner

Age: 25 Hgt: 177cm

Defender

Cast aside injury concerns to have a solid block of training before the New Year and be ready for Round 1. Solid down back.

22. Madeline Guerin

Age: 18 Hgt: 172cm

Midfielder

Draftee has settled in club nicely and impressed with her speed in a recent practice match.

24. Brooke Patterson

Age: 28 Hgt: 172cm

Defender

Only four games last season due to a hamstring injury and has cast aside a recent setback to be ready to fire down back.

25. Maddie Shevlin

Age: 20 Hgt: 174cm

Defender/forward

Kicks well and uses her running ability to advantage. Joined as a rookie from the ACT.

29. Eden Zanker

Age: 18 Hgt: 183cm

Forward

Top pick in the draft who comes with great plaudits. Had a huge year last year and has taken her game to the next level.

30. Richelle Cranston

Age: 28 Hgt: 171cm

Midfielder

Has transformed herself and her game since AFL01 and is fitter and faster. A presence in the midfield and link to forwards.

35. Cat Phillips

Age: 26 Hgt: 175cm

Midfielder

Missed the VFLW season due to Ultimate Frisbee duties. Impressed with blistering pace in AFLW01 and will deliver again.

Cat Phillips.

36. Ainslie Kemp

Age: 20 Hgt: 170cm

Forward

Worked hard after an injury-hampered VFLW season but will miss AFLW02 due to an ACL injury.

40. Anna Teague

Age: 30 Hgt: 174cm

Defender

A rookie draftee who showed strength in defence in the VFLW for Geelong last season after crossing from basketball. Could be upgraded to cover the loss of Kemp.

46. Erin Hoare

Age: 28 Hgt: 194cm

Ruck

Will be one of the tallest in the competition and has already impressed coaches with her rucking ability. Handy addition from netball.