“IT’S CRAZY how much has happened in a year.”
An ACL injury in 2021, the NAB AFLW Rising Star in season six and a Best-and-Fairest winner in season seven.
It would be difficult to script a more complete comeback.
In just her first full season of AFLW, Mimi Hill claimed Carlton’s AFLW Best and Fairest honours, finishing the count on 86 votes ahead of teammates Abbie McKay (84), Breann Moody (61), Mua Laloifi (57), Lucy McEvoy (52) and Kerryn Peterson (50).
The result surprised few, outside of Hill herself.
“I’m so grateful. I’m overwhelmed, because I did not expect to win tonight but here we are,” Hill said.
“I couldn’t have predicted any of this and I’m so honoured to be standing up here, for a club that has so much history.”
In her Rising Star-winning season, Hill placed third in Carlton’s Best and Fairest, despite playing just six games.
The 20-year-old took her game to a new level in season seven, averaging 23.2 disposals per game (10.8 contested), four clearances and 2.3 score involvements.
Hill was always eager to repay the faith the Club had shown her after rupturing her ACL.
“To think back that I did my ACL last year, that’s pretty crazy,” she said.
“I guess, when you do your knee you’re not even sure if the Club will back you in to give you another contract, but Carlton has been amazing.”
Despite repaying that faith in spades, Hill believes she’s yet to reach her ceiling.
“There’s definitely a next level," she said.
“I’m really glad that they invested in me and I’m going to keep working harder and I know I have more levels I can get to so I can’t wait.”
While Hill’s growth on the football field is undeniable, perhaps what she is most proud of is what she has achieved off it.
“I can’t believe it’s been three seasons already, but they’ve been some amazing seasons and I’ve grown so much as a person,” she said.
“I know I’ve improved as a footballer as well, but for me it’s more important how much I’ve grown as a person.
“The players I have around me are great role models for me – especially 'Kez' – they’ve made me become a better person.
“I’m really happy. I can’t wait to be here for many years to come and see where the journey takes me.”
Hill isn’t looking too far ahead, but is already eager to get stuck into 2023 preparations despite just wrapping up the season gone by.
“This year, I know it was disappointing on some fronts, but we don’t go back to square one. We’re on an upwards projection and I’m really excited – I know we only just finished, but I can’t wait to get back into it,” she said.
“We’re working very hard and it’s not always a linear progression. There’s always going to be ups and downs but we have a brilliant, passionate group and I love every single one of them.
“‘Get on the bus,’ is what we like to say.”
