Melbourne Demons AFLW player profiles for 2017 season
MELBOURNE is set to be led by the biggest name in women’s football, six-time state league best-and-fairest winner Daisy Pearce. Take a look at the Demons’ full list.
MELBOURNE is set to be led by the biggest name in women’s football, six-time state league best-and-fairest winner Daisy Pearce.
She managed only one goal in a pre-season scratch match against Carlton but should rebound. Also watch out for defender Melissa Hickey and onballer Elise O’Dea.
Take a look at the Demons’ squad below:
CAPTAIN: PEARCE HOPES TO LEAD DEMONS TO FLAG
PRACTICE MATCH: AFL WOMEN ARE TOUGH AND READY
MARK ROBINSON: DON’T BE A GROUCH, GIVE IT A GO
COACH — Mick Stinear
Has spent the past three seasons in charge of TAC Cup club Oakleigh Chargers, winning back-to-back flags in 2014-15 and making a preliminary final last year. Also a development coach for Melbourne’s men’s team.
2. Meg Downie
Age: 28 Hgt: 176cm
Key Defender
Made her name down back for the St Kilda Sharks; state representative expected to bring versatility, height and balance to the Demons’ defence. Has not played football in four years but you could not tell.
3. Emma Humphries
Age: 21 Hgt: 164cm
Midfielder/Defender
Tasmanian with great run and carry ability, particularly on the outside. Has shown what she is made of in the past two AFL women’s exhibition games.
4. Karen Paxman — FULL PROFILE
Age: 28 Hgt: 170cm
Half-back
Star performer who provides outstanding run and will be cruicial if the Dees are to be successful. Great 2016 season, winning another flag with Darebin Falcons and being named in the VFL Women’s team of the year. Expect to see on the ball, too.
5. Elise O’Dea
Age: 25 Hgt: 172cm
Midfielder
Originally from the ACT, can play all over the ground and is known for her strength, speed and skill. Has the ability and nous to play forward and might well be needed down there.
6. Daisy Pearce
Age: 28 Hgt: 170cm
Midfielder
Marquee player and the biggest name in women’s football. Has won six VFL Women’s best and fairest awards, including 2016. Brings others into the game with clever thinking and precision skills. Expected to also spend time forward.
7. Deanna Berry
Age: 18 Hgt: 171cm
Forward/Defender
Had an impact from her first VFL Women’s appearance for Melbourne Uni, taking the mark of the season. Experience and leadership defy her young age. Reads the play well.
8. Sarah Lampard
Age: 19 Hgt: 170cm
Midfielder
Provides good run through the middle and will add depth. Played her first season of VFL Women’s for VU Western Spurs last year.
9. Alyssa Mifsud
Age: 22 Hgt: 184cm
Forward
Another VU Western Spurs product with just one year at senior level under her belt after crossing from basketball but slated for key-forward role. Noted for her strength and clean hands.
10. Sarah Jolly
Age: 25 Hgt: 162cm
Forward
The last pick in the national draft. Won the best and fairest and was leading goalkicker at lower-league club Gippsland Galaxy last year.
11. Laura Duryea
Age: 33 Hgt: 176cm
Defender/ruck
Irishwoman who wears Jim Stynes old number. Has loads of experience in her adopted code and is a top local Gaelic football player as well. Height and versatility an attractive mix.
13. Katherine Smith
Age: 19 Hgt: 164cm
Defender/Midfielder
Captained Vic Metro Youth Girls side which claimed last year’s national championship, with Smith best afield. Lauded for her skills, leadership and decision-making.
14. Lily Mithen
Age: 18 Hgt: 159cm
Forward/Midfield
A noted player in the Geelong region from a young age, the Former Vic Country captain can play all over the ground. Very small, but very smart.
15. Lauren Pearce
Age: 24 Hgt: 184cm
Ruck/Forward
Basketballer who emerged from the AFL talent search program in 2016 and is slated to play a key ruck role while also going forward.
16. Aliesha Newman
Age: 21 Hgt: 158cm
Forward
Multi-sport star who comes back to football from soccer and athletics pursuits. Hasn’t played in the VFL Women’s competition but seen to have big upside.
18. Melissa Hickey
Age: 32 Hgt: 172cm
Defender
Melbourne’s second marquee player and one of the best defenders in the game. Made the VFL Women’s team of the year last year, along with many of her Darebin Falcons teammates. Originally from Mildura, related to Geelong great Reg Hickey. Expected to also spend time in the midfield.
19. Jasmine Grierson
Age: 18 Hgt: 174cm
Forward/Midfielder
Young player with good skills and decision-making. Played Youth Girls with Cranbourne last year but was also blooded in the VFL.
20. Shelley Scott
Age: 28 Hgt: 170cm
Defender/Forward
A dairy farmer from Colac who has a strong netball background. Has loads of potential and is a good finisher and reads the play well. Played just six or seven games for VU Western Spurs before being picked up in the draft.
21. Harriet Cordner
Age: 24 Hgt: 177cm
Ruck/defender
Grand-daughter of 1946 Brownlow medallist Don Cordner, joined Melbourne as a rookie after years of playing top soccer. Was a defender in the world game.
22. Pepa Randall
Age: 20 Hgt: 172cm
Midfield
From Eastern Devils, has lightning pace and versatility. Can burn along a wing and also go back or forward.
23. Stephanie De Bortoli
Age: 23 Hgt: 171cm
Defender
From Diamond Valley; had a very strong finish to the 2016 season. Should provide plenty of run and rebound out of the back half.
24. Brooke Patterson
Age: 27 Hgt: 172cm
Defender/Midfielder
Basketball convert who made an impact at top VFL Women’s side Darebin last season. Competitive and reads the play well.
25. Madeline Boyd
Age: 23 Hgt: 178cm
Ruck/forward
Versatile tall from Geelong who could be a second ruck option. Can also pinch-hit forward or be sent down back. Has good hands.
28. Jessica Anderson
Age: 19 Hgt: 177cm
Forward
Full-forward recruited from Melbourne Uni — strong on the lead and uses her height to advantage. Will be exciting to watch.
30. Richelle Cranston
Age: 27 Hgt: 171cm
Forward
Another player from Geelong, this one with a gridiron background. Dreadlocks catch the eye, as does the pace. Can find the goals, play midfield or even take a turn in the ruck.
35. Cat Phillips
Age: 25 Hgt: 175cm
Forward/midfield
Ultimate frisbee star who has made the move to football. Great speed and endurance, making her perfect for the 16-a-side game. Could be one to watch on the wings.
36. Ainslie Kemp
Age: 19 Hgt: 170cm
Forward
From VU Western Spurs, plays predominantly forward but has got versatility and is capable of playing in the midfield.
44. Mia-Rae Clifford
Age: 30 Hgt: 170cm
Defender
Brings experience to the backline where she is expected to team with Mel Hickey. From St Kilda Sharks.
DEMONS DRAW
Rd 1: v Brisbane, February 5 (home, Casey Fields)
Rd 2: v Collingwood, February 11 (away)
Rd 3: v Western Bulldogs, February 18 (away)
Rd 4: v Carlton, February 25 (home, Casey Fields)
Rd 5: v GWS, March 3 (away)
Rd 6: v Adelaide, March 11 (away)
Rd 7: v Fremantle, March 18 (home, Casey Fields)
Originally published as Melbourne Demons AFLW player profiles for 2017 season