NEVER in doubt.
Mimi Hill said she raised some eyebrows at the end of the 2023 season when she didn’t sign a new contract extension, but the 21-year-old was simply waiting for things to fall into place before re-committing to the Blues.
A key pillar of the Carlton line-up and leadership, Hill has been a dynamic recruit since her arrival through the 2020 AFLW Draft, and she's thrilled to have the backing of the Club to continue her football career at IKON Park until at least the end of 2027.
“It feels really nice that the Club has that trust in me and they want to back me in for the next few years,” Hill said.
“Some people were asking questions when I didn’t extend at the end of the year, but there was time, so we had a bit more time to sit down and sort it out.”
With no thoughts of leaving, a determined Hill will continue putting all her focus on her football and where she can take the team having penned a three-year extension.
The 2022 Carlton AFLW Best and Fairest has shown plenty in her career to date, but is looking to put out a more consistent and complete brand of football.
“Now that I’ve got that contract signed, I can focus on footy and the team and where we can take it,” she said.
“I want to focus on being a well-rounded footballer.”
One of these areas of improvement involves a bit more time behind the ball, allowing Hill to use her explosiveness and her foot skills to open up the ground.
Watching similar roles in the men's competition, the co-vice captain can see the trajectory she wants her game to take in the next few years.
“‘Bucky’ and I have some plans, some of them might include me having a bit of half-back time, which I love: I think it’s really fun,” she admitted.
“Looking at some of the male players like the Nick Daicoses of the game, where they get their run off the half-back line and use the ball well, that’s what I’m trying to do and still have lots of midfield time.”
Spending 2023 in the leadership group alongside Kerryn Peterson and Jess Dal Pos, Hill has found an equal love for the mentoring side just as much as the football side.
Expressing her gratitude for her fellow leaders and the guidance of Belinda Clark, the 21-year-old said it was another big reason for her putting pen to paper and extending her contract at Carlton.
“There were a few moments where I thought I was a bit out of my depth, but I think that’s what you need – you need to learn so in future years, I can lead the team,” she said.
“We had Belinda Clark working with us and she’s really cool, I’m a full fangirl over her and I learn a lot from her.
“It’s nice to know that’s where the Club sees me as well, not just a footy thing, but also leadership: it’s one of my favourite parts of playing footy. It made things easier, knowing this is where I want to be.”
