Launceston gun signs multi year AFLW extension with Kangaroos

Launceston gun Mia King isn’t going anywhere after re-signing with AFLW heavyweights North Melbourne for three years. Read why she thinks long term deals will be commonplace under the new CBA

Launceston’s Mia King has re-signed with North Melbourne. Picture: David Caird .

Mia King is confident she’ll be one of many to take advantage of the AFLW’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement by signing long term deals after recommitting to North Melbourne.

The 22-year-old Launceston product said it was a “no-brainer” to remain at the Kangaroos for a further three seasons until the end of 2026.

King has played 47 games since her debut in 2020. She has developed herself into one of the toughest and reliable midfielders in the competition, and is averaging an impressive 20.5 disposals, 9.3 tackles and 5.5 clearances per game.

The new CBA announced in September not only included a big increase in salaries and other benefits for AFLW players

It also allows players to sign 12-month minimum deals without a cap on maximum terms, and they can sign multi-year deals when two years was previously the longest.

“The CBA is really exciting, and it was a no-brainer for me to sign with North for three years,” King said.

“I reckon with the new CBA there’ll definitely be more players signing on for longer.

“It does build that security for players. If you’re happy and committed to a club you can commit to that place. That’s a huge step.

Mia King runs out for the Kangaroos. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

“It just gives players security and as women’s sport transitions from part time to more of a full-time profession, it’s exciting to see the competition have that security for female athletes.”

It’s easy to see why King is so comfortable at Arden St.

The Kangaroos have been perennial finalists and are preparing to play Adelaide in a preliminary final at Ikon Park this Sunday.

“I’m happy with my season. I think the resources at the club, the facilities and the coaching staff, they want you to be the best version you can be,” King said.

“All my teammates Emma Kearney, Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell, learning off some of the best players in the league week in, week out has definitely helped my growth.

“That’s why I want to stay on for three more years, just to continue that and we’re building something special.”

“I definitely think my pressure’s improved this year and it’s something I want to bring every week.”

Mia King. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Melbourne fell narrowly to Adelaide the last time they met, and King is expecting a highly contested game against a Crows side which also prides itself in that area.

The Roos made a statement in the first week of finals by toppling defending premier Melbourne.

“We’ve always had a lot of talent but Darren Crocker coming in, he’s a brilliant coach and brings so much knowledge,” King said.

“We’ve recruited some new talent this year, but we’ve also continued to build internally.

“Adelaide’s a really contested side, they bring a lot of intensity and pressure and it’s going to be a real battle on the day.”