AFLW 2024: Teammate Mimi Hill hails Maddy Guerin’s form after matchwinning display against Geelong

A Carlton teammate says breakout Blue Maddy Guerin reminds her of Brownlow Medal favourite Patrick Cripps after she put the AFLW on notice with a matchwinning display against Geelong.

Breakout Carlton star Maddy Guerin is being compared internally to Patrick Cripps as the Blues prepare for a rapid turnaround into a Thursday night blockbuster against Richmond.

Both sides will enter the Ikon Park clash on the back of consecutive wins as Blues star Mimi Hill predicted “some argy-bargy” between the fierce rivals.

Hill said Guerin, who racked up a career-high 31 disposals (21 contested) and kicked one of only four goals for the game against Geelong, had started to piece together all of her strengths on the field.

The 24-year-old was only in her third game back from her third ACL injury in a five-year period, and had never had more than 13 disposals in her previous 23 AFLW games.

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Maddy Guerin enjoys a goal against Geelong. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“I was really happy for (Guerin) on the weekend. I think she combined all of her assets – you just see her hunting on the inside, she’s such a big-bodied midfielder, kind of reminds me of Patrick Cripps in a way,” Hill said.

“Everything was clicking for her, and it was just elite to watch, really.

“Same with Lily Goss, she brings the heat. I love her pressure. She’s not very big, but she plays big, tackle pressure and smothers, and she set up two really crucial goals (against Geelong) for us.”

Guerin post game interview #AFLWpic.twitter.com/fNZzDd9NE0

— Carlton Blues Fans (@CarltonFCBlues) September 15, 2024

Hill, 21, spent the first two games at halfback before returning to the middle for 32 possessions and a goal in the win over the Cats on Saturday.

She expected to continue to spending time behind the ball after suggesting the move to coach Mathew Buck during last season.

“A bit of a utility, I’m calling myself. I’m actually really enjoying it, especially the halfback stuff,” Hill said.

“I feel like it lets me use my strengths a bit more – I love to get the ball on the outside and try and use my speed.

Guerin looks for an option against Geelong. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“It was actually my idea at first, end of last season, I was just hinting to Bucky that it could be fun for me to play on the halfback line … I have been playing there all pre-season, learn my craft I guess.”

As the compressed part of the season begins, a badly wounded Western Bulldogs will travel to meet red-hot Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena on Wednesday night.

After beating Collingwood by 52 points last week, the Lions would be eyeing the AFLW all-time highest score – Melbourne’s 16.11 (107) against Fremantle in 2022 season six.

Originally published as AFLW 2024: Teammate Mimi Hill hails Maddy Guerin’s form after matchwinning display against Geelong