Best step out for origin
Mithen tips classiest women’s match yet
MELBOURNE Demons star Lily Mithen believes this year’s first state-of-origin match will pit together the best 40 players yet assembled in women’s football.
Mithen, who plays for Geelong in the VFLW, was selected in the 20-player Victorian squad which will face an Allies team at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 2, during the AFL bye round.
The night match will be televised on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, and Mithen believes it will be the best game of women’s football.
“I think this definitely will be a step up from last year’s Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs game,” the 19-year-old said.
“Everyone who was in that line-up last year has undergone a full pre-season, played at the elite AFL level consistently over summer, and then gone back and played good VFL football.
“With that experience and the fitness level continuing to increase, I think the game will be faster and a lot more skilful, and girls will be willing to put on a great show and put their best foot forward on that night.
“It is the big stage and I’m sure everyone will be just as honoured and thrilled as I am to pull on the big V and interstate jumper.”
AFLW best and fairest medallist Erin Phillips headlines the Allies squad, while Mithen’s Demons captain Daisy Pearce is one of a number of Victorian stars.
“It is the best of the best,” Mithen said.
“It will be hard not to be a pretty spectacle, so that’s exciting.
“I’ve had the privilege to play with the likes of Daisy and Karen Paxman, but to play with the best in the state like Darcy Vescio, Brianna Davey and Kaitlyn Ashmore, the whole line-up is star-studded. I can’t wait to pull on the big V.”
It’s been a long year for Mithen, with AFLW kicking off first week of February, followed by a lengthy VFLW campaign and now a state-oforigin match in September.
The gun midfielder said she would look to have a break before starting pre-season at the Demons for next season.
“I wouldn’t ask for it any differently because it’s what I love doing, but it’s a lot of footy in one year,” she said.
“Hopefully I’ll take some time off between VFL and AFL seasons to freshen up and then head into preseason all systems go.”