HICKEY’S ACCLAIM
MELISSA Hickey, the granddaughter of Geelong legend Reg Hickey’s cousin, will don the same No.18 jumper as her famous relative in next year’s AFLW competition.
The former Melbourne star was announced yesterday as Geelong’s marquee signing before its introduction to AFLW, along with fellow 2018 Demons Richelle Cranston, Erin Hoare and Anna Teague.
But last year’s Geelong VFLW best-and-fairest, Lily Mithen, has knocked back an offer to join the Cats, deciding to remain at Melbourne in 2019.
The Hickey name — which adorns one of the stands at GMHBA Stadium — was made famous by Reg, who won four premierships with Geelong as a player and a coach over a 34-year career with the Cats.
Melissa Hickey told the Cats’ website it was a thrill to play for the club she grew up barracking for.
“Obviously my family has an amazing connection to the Cats, and this is a dream come true,” she said.
“While I have always had a love for the Cats, ultimately it is the professionalism, vision and commitment that the club is already displaying that made this decision an easy one.
“In talking to the players who have been here in the VFLW program, Paul Hood and the coaches and the management and staff at the club, it is clear that the women’s program is treated with the utmost respect and importance.
“The facilities are unbeliev- able, and the growth of women’s football in the region since the club launched its women’s program is well ahead of expectations.
“I can’t wait to get out on the track with the team for the first season.”
The 33-year-old was 2017 AFLW All-Australian and played 13 matches for Melbourne.
Cats’ AFLW coach Paul Hood told the club’s website the four ex-Demons give his club a core to build around.
“We are obviously overjoyed to have secured the talent of Mel, ‘Rocky’, Anna and Erin,” he said.
“Their AFLW experience will be extremely valuable in shaping the development of the rest of our squad as we enter into 2019.
“Our younger players will have great role models to learn from and their talents will bring stability and strength to our team.”