MELBOURNE was really made to work for its AFLW Round 1 win over the weekend, but ultimately emerged with a two-point victory over Geelong to get its campaign off to a positive start. It was hard going for the Dees early, with poor passing into attack early really costing the red and blue, but once Kate Hore took the game by the scruff off the neck, things started to turn around for the visitors. However, there was a Dee arguably even more influential than the skipper on Saturday and whose performance really told the story of Melbourne’s evening – Blaithin Mackin.
Mackin, normally renowned for her running and linking of the play capabilities out on the wing, struggled to output to her usual standard early in the match, particularly in the first quarter. She was doing a decent amount of running but her positioning meant that she was not able to be utilised. This correlated to the way things were going for the Dees as a collective. The pressure that Geelong was putting on them meant that kicks were being rushed and Geelong was just able to intercept the ball far too easily. But as Mackin got more involved in the game, things started to turn around for those in red and blue.
Working hard at both ends of the ground, she started to get more possessions, and with composure with ball in hand was able to help improve Melbourne’s delivery into forward 50. Her positioning around contests and even in shepherding and defensive play helped Melbourne lift their carry through the midfield. She even found herself on the scoresheet towards the end of the third quarter, using her speed and strong agility to work the ball past several players and through the big sticks. Her 25 disposals was the highest among her teammates, and only three behind the match leader Amy McDonald. Also, her 510m gained was by far the highest on the ground, and 66m in front of the second highest figure for the game. What makes Mackin’s performance on Saturday night even more impressive was the fact that she basically came into the match off the back of no preseason. Thanks to a particularly strong Gaelic Football season back home with Armagh, Mackin has only been back in the country a couple of weeks and missed both Melbourne’s match simulation and its practice match.
Mackin's Impact on the Game
Mackin's influence on the game was evident from the moment she started to get more involved. Her ability to link the play and her composure with ball in hand helped Melbourne to improve their delivery into forward 50. Her positioning around contests and her defensive work also helped Melbourne to lift their carry through the midfield.
Mackin's Impact on the Scoreboard
Mackin's impact on the scoreboard was just as significant. She scored a goal towards the end of the third quarter, using her speed and agility to work the ball past several players and through the big sticks.
Mackin's Performance in Context
Mackin's performance was even more impressive considering the fact that she had no preseason. She had only been back in the country for a couple of weeks and had missed both Melbourne's match simulation and its practice match.
Mackin's Gaelic Football Background
Mackin's Gaelic Football background is a testament to her athleticism and skill. She had a particularly strong season back home with Armagh, and her experience in that sport has clearly helped her to transition to the AFLW.
What's Next for Mackin?
Mackin's performance in Round 1 has shown that she is a player to watch in the AFLW. She has the potential to be a star in the league, and her impact on the game will be fascinating to watch in the coming weeks and months.
With her impressive performance in Round 1, Mackin has already made a strong statement about her abilities and her potential. Her dedication to the game, even after missing preseason, is a testament to her commitment and her desire to succeed. It is clear that she is a player who is hungry to make a difference. Mackin's presence on the field has the potential to elevate Melbourne's game to even greater heights. With her talent, work ethic, and unwavering commitment, she is sure to become a crucial part of the team's success in the seasons to come.
The Future of the AFLW
Mackin's story is just one example of the exciting future of the AFLW. The league is attracting some of the best talent from around the world, and the level of play is only getting better. The AFLW is a league that is full of potential, and with players like Mackin leading the way, the future is bright.
