Shane O’Neill’s and Armagh footballers Aimee and Blaithin Mackin have signed new AFLW contracts with the Melbourne Demons.
Aimee, who completed her first AFLW season this year, has signed a one-year deal for the 2024 season, while her younger sibling, Blaithin, a 2022 Premiership player with the Demons, has committed her services until the end of the 2026 season.
Aimee (26) endured a tough first season in Melbourne after arriving injured and breaking down with an ankle injury in the final three weeks of the regular season.
Her transition to Australian Rules was made even tougher by Melbourne’s inconsistent form at the business end of the season when last year’s premiers became only the second AFLW side in history to be knocked out of finals in straight sets.
Four-time All-Star Aimee often outshines her sibling in the GAA but in Australia the boot was on the other foot as Blaithin proved to be the more consistent player.
This was reflected in the voting for Melbourne’s player of the year when Blaithin was the only one of the sisters to finish in the top ten on the playing list of around 30 players including senior and rookie listed players.
Eight-time Dublin Allstar Sinead Goldrick (33) also penned a new contract that will keep her at Melbourne until the end of the 2025 season.
Todd Patterson, Melbourne’s AFLW List Manager, praised the Irish trio for their ability to adapt to the professional world of Australian rules, 10,000 miles away from home.
“What a special group of people to recommit to our club,” Patterson said.
“They each have such unique stories, despite coming from the same country to play our great game, and even the same family.”
Blaithin (24) was recruited by Melbourne in 2022 when she played in 10 of 13 matches and memorably booted the opening goal of their grand final victory over the Brisbane Lions with the Mackin family watching from the stands.
In 2023, Blaithin proved her value again, averaging 14 disposals per game and kicking five goals.
“For Blaithin to commit for an extended period of time is extremely exciting for us, and we expect she will continue to flourish and grow in importance with us,” Patterson said.
Three-time All-Star Aimee, played in six of a possible 12 matches this season, making her AFLW debut against the Hawthorn in Melbourne’s forward line, barely a month after arriving in Australia.
She averaged nine disposals and kicked two goals in her maiden campaign.
Patterson said: “We just love the Mackin sisters, and it was great for Aimee to get a taste of the action this past season.”
Donegal defender Tanya Kennedy has penned a one-year contract extension for the 2024 AFLW season with the Sydney Swans.
The Castlefinn Clubwoman (30) joined the Swans as an injury replacement this year, before becoming the linchpin of the team’s defence, averaging 13 disposals, six kicks and seven handballs per game.
Kennedy’s consistency and composure went a long way to helping the Swans reach the first semi-final in their AFLW history having lost all of their regular season matches in their inaugural season last year.
Off the field, Kennedy swapped her football boots for a fluorescent jacket to work as a traffic controller on the streets of Sydney.
“It’s tough because you are on your feet all day so it’s not ideal for an athlete, it’s tough,” she explained.
“You are up pretty early; most sites you start at 5:30am-6:00am, and you could be working anywhere across Sydney, wherever your shift is allocated.
“You could be working until 6pm on a footy day, so I have to ask if I can leave a bit earlier to get in here (Sydney Cricket Ground), to throw the boots on and get into training.
“I have to switch on from work, to get my head into the game, but I’m loving it.”
