Melbourne midfielder Lily Mithen hopes to know her second probability at including an AFLW premiership to her household’s legacy on the membership.
Former Demons champion Laurie Mithen – a five-time VFL flag hero – was Lily’s grandfather’s cousin.
The pair by no means met, however the 24-year-old is decided to construct upon the membership nice’s feats.
Mithen will line up towards the Brisbane Lions in Sunday’s grand last after that includes within the Melbourne aspect that misplaced final season’s decider to Adelaide.
“I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet Laurie but for those family ties and to continue that name within the footy club would be really special,” Mithen advised AAP.
“It’s not something I’ll necessarily be thinking about (during the grand final) but to build on that legacy with the Mithens and the Melbourne footy club together would be really nice.
“It can be a beautiful contact.”
Mithen dominated playing alongside boys in an “unorthodox” junior career and was the second player in Demons history to reach 50 AFLW games.
She will have her immediate family in the stands at Brighton Homes Arena, where they will share in what Mithen hopes will be her proudest moment yet.
“For Mum and Dad to let me play as a junior with the boys when it wasn’t fairly the norm has meant that I’m on this place now,” Mithen stated.
“Mum’s solely missed two (video games) and Dad’s now missed three, so Mum’s claiming the No.1 fan spot.
“Genuinely one of my most favourite things is giving them a hug and a kiss post-game, and in the big moments it’s even more special.”
Standing between Melbourne and a primary AFLW premiership is a Lions outfit that handed them a “reality check” when the groups final met, in spherical 4.
But the Demons are assured their work across the contest and powerful defensive system can get the job executed.
“Those two elements mean a whole lot on grand final day,” Mithen stated.
“They’re a quick opposition who love to run and transition the ball, so we need to nullify that impact from them, but there won’t be a whole game style change.
“I belief our leaders and our need and can and spirit and connection as a gaggle to get the job executed.”
