The chance to run out in an AFL Women’s competition continues to be a ‘dream come true’ for Lily Mithen.
Mithen has seen first-hand the evolution of the AFL Women’s program throughout its 10 seasons, playing 82 games for the Demons dating back to the competition’s inaugural weekend in 2017.
Speaking alongside several of the competition’s inaugural players in Melbourne ahead of the 10th edition of the AFLW, a proud Mithen says the league continues to take big steps forward each year.
“As a young girl and someone who always loved footy and not necessarily knowing that it was going to be a reality or a dream come true, now getting to reflect on the fact that I was part of that inaugural year and part of something that has become something so great is really nice,” Mithen said.
“It’s something I'm really proud of and to say that I'm one of the OGs from that first season and to see how much the league has come leaps and bounds from that first year is special. I can’t wait to see how the 10th season continues to be better than the one previous.”
After nine seasons at the Demons which included the Season 7 premiership, Mithen switched red and blue for red and gold and a change of scenery to take on a new challenge under SUNS Head Coach Rhyce Shaw.
Named as part of the club’s leadership group for 2025, Mithen’s infectious personality and wealth of experience will be a key asset for a developing SUNS side.
That experience has been harnessed through a whole lot of personal evolution, in tandem with the competition.
“Evolution has been massive since my debut in the league's debut. I was a young, very energetic 18-year-old who almost had too much energy to burn and probably also not not in the best way too. I was up and down, I was a bit of a roller coaster so personally I have evolved so much.
“Being part of the 10th season is a great source of pride.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Gold Coast SUNS’ six home matches for the NAB AFLW 2025 season.
Tickets are now on sale for all four matches for just $15 for adults and free entry for juniors (0-17 years). Click here to secure your seats.
Tickets are also available here for the Round 10 match against the Western Bulldogs at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, October 19 (4:05pm) and the final home match of the season against Collingwood at Bond University on Sunday, October 26 (3:05pm).
Gold Coast SUNS AFLW memberships are the best way to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action in 2025. Beginning from just $50, enjoy exclusive member benefits, discounts and communications and the chance to see your favourite AFLW stars in action.
