Armagh star Aimee Mackin has joined her sister Bláithín Mackin at Melbourne AFL's women's team.
The Armagh footballer has been one of the most prolific players in Gaelic football in recent years. The forward has won three All-Star awards and was named the LGFA Player of the Year in 2020 after leading her county to the All-Ireland semi-finals. She has also been a key figure for her club Shane O'Neill's, helping them to win their first ever Armagh senior title in 2019.
But now, Mackin is ready for a new challenge. She has signed for Melbourne Demons in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW), joining her younger sister Bláithín and Dublin star Sinead Goldrick at the club. She will make the move Down Under after the conclusion of this year's All-Ireland Championship, which is expected to start in May.
Mackin's decision came as a surprise to many, as she had previously indicated that she was not interested in switching codes. Just days before announcing her signing, she told RTÉ Sport that she was "just focusing on Armagh and that's my main priority". However, she changed her mind after being approached by Melbourne, who were impressed by her skills and scoring ability.
"I'm really excited and thankful for the opportunity that Melbourne Demons have given me," Mackin said on the club's website. "It’s extra special that I’ll get to play alongside my sister and I’m really looking forward to working with all the staff and players for the 2023 season."
Mackin said that she had the support of her county and club in making the move, and that she was still committed to giving her best for Armagh this year. She also thanked her family, friends and fans for their encouragement and backing.
"It was a big decision for me, and I’m delighted to have the support from my county Armagh and my club Shane O’Neill’s here in Ireland. Things have moved really fast to make this happen and I’m grateful for their support," she said. "My focus remains on our GAA campaign, and we will be hoping to give it our best shot this season. I look forward to joining my Melbourne teammates later in the year. Go Dees."
Mackin will add a different dimension to Melbourne's forward line, which already boasts some of the best players in the AFLW. She is known for her creativity, power and accuracy in front of goal, as well as her ability to play on either foot. She will also bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, having captained Armagh at underage level and represented Ireland at international rules.
Melbourne's AFLW list manager Todd Patterson said that he was thrilled to welcome Mackin to the club, and that he anticipated her skillset would complement their current mix.
"Aimee will add a different element to our forward line. We are excited by her ability to get shots off at goal, with great creativity, power and an impressive left foot, and anticipate her skillset really complementing our current mix," he said.
Mackin is the latest Gaelic footballer to join the AFLW ranks, following in the footsteps of players like Cora Staunton, Sarah Rowe and Aisling McCarthy. She will also be reunited with her sister Bláithín, who made her debut for Melbourne this year after signing in 2022. The pair have played together for Armagh and Shane O'Neill's, forming a formidable partnership in attack.
Mackin will hope to emulate the success of some of her compatriots who have made an impact in the AFLW, such as Goldrick, who was named in the 2022 All-Australian team after a stellar season with Melbourne.
