This weekend, Essendon VFLW midfielder Ashlea Melnikas will become just the sixth player in the leagues history to reach the remarkable milestone of 100 games, a testament to her professionalism, resilience, and unwavering love of the game.

In a competition that has only existed since 2016 and features relatively short seasons, reaching 100 games is no small feat.

It requires years of consistency, durability, and commitment at the state league level. For Melnikas, the milestone represents far more than a number.

"Reaching 100 VFLW games is something I'm incredibly proud of," she said.

"To become just the sixth person in the competition's history to hit this milestone feels both exciting and deeply meaningful. As the years go on, I've had to adapt, evolve, and find new ways to stay competitive as an older player, and this milestone is a reminder that hard work, resilience, consistency and passion really do matter."

"More than anything, it's a celebration of the journey, the tough seasons, the friendships, and the moments that have made my footy special. I love that I'm still challenging the young ones, I'm still improving and still loving what I do."

A milestone shared with family

While the achievement belongs to Melnikas, it will be celebrated by an entire family that has followed her sporting journey from the beginning. At the heart of that support is her grandmother, who has rarely missed a chance to cheer her on.

"My Nan has always been one of my biggest supporters, right from netball through to football," Melnikas said.

"Nan is always there cheering me on from the stands. She, along with my family and friends, just loves seeing me doing something that makes me happy and they're always quietly hoping I get through it without getting hurt."

Raised in a family that valued sport and competition, Melnikas said reaching 100 games is something her loved ones have embraced just as strongly as she has.

"They've seen the effort, the love for the game, and the way it brings out my competitive side. Having my family, friends and Nan in the crowd means everything. Sharing this milestone with them makes it even more special."

Built for the grind

Across her career, Melnikas has earned a reputation as one of the competition's most combative and competitive midfielders.

The role demands constant physicality, and few players spend more time in the thick of contests than the Essendon onballer. Melnikas believes her professional background in health and biomechanics has played a significant role in helping her consistently take the field.

"Absolutely my background in health has played a big part in my durability as a midfielder," she said.

"The midfield is tough, especially being that in-and-under player who's constantly tackling and then still needs the endurance to run out games."

"Having that allied health knowledge helps me understand how to build strength, manage my load and recover properly. I know my limits, what my body responds to, and the type of training I need to get through preseason and give myself the best chance to show up every week."

Learning from every level

The VFLW occupies a unique space in the football landscape, bringing together emerging AFLW prospects and experienced former AFLW talent on the same list.

For Melnikas, that environment has been invaluable throughout her development.

"As a cross-coded player coming into footy, having people around you from every level all pushing you to get better is something you don't take for granted," she said.

"Players like El Chaston, Bailey Hunt and Jacqui Vogt have really shaped my game. They challenge me, make me work harder and help me keep evolving as a midfielder."

At the same time, she has enjoyed mentoring younger players coming through the pathway system, including emerging talent Georgia Tyrell and Jemma Reynolds.

"It's really nice being able to help support them and watch them grow into great footballers."

Melnikas also credits former AFLW player and fellow Don, Sarah Ford with helping transform her understanding of the game.

"She gets you thinking about your next move, where you should go and how to win different situations," Melnikas said.

"She taught me that I may be strong but I can't win every contest with my strength. She makes you find the fun and excitement in yourself and your game."

A game she'll never forget

Of the 99 games already behind her, one stands out above all others.

Ironically, it came during her time with Williamstown against Essendon at DSV Stadium, a venue renowned for producing difficult conditions.

"In the middle of the game, hail started coming down sideways and so hard that all of us were trying to shield ourselves from it," Melnikas recalled.

"The umpires called time on the quarter, and for a moment everyone just ran like their lives depended on it to find cover."

What followed was equally memorable.

"Then we had to go back out and play in ankle-deep puddles and try to see all the positives in the day. It's still the game that stands out the most for me, chaotic, freezing and unforgettable."

Lessons from the Top End

Another influential chapter in Melnikas' football journey came in Darwin, where she spent time playing for St Mary's in the Northern Territory Football League.

The experience expanded her game and introduced her to a new football community.

"Darwin was such a great experience," she said.

"St Mary's feels like a big family. They welcome you straight in, and they still keep an eye on me even now while I'm playing for Essendon."

Playing in the Territory's demanding conditions provided another layer to her development.

"Playing in the NTFL taught me how to handle the super-hot, humid conditions, and it helped me grow my midfield game to play with more confidence, freedom and finding that extra gear to go again."

"I've got a real appreciation for the players who compete up there every week. It was a really special part of my life."

Still chasing more

Reaching 100 games would be a fitting high point in any player's career. For Melnikas, however, it is simply another stepping stone.

"There's still plenty of growth left in my game. I want to keep building my midfield craft, maybe kick some more snags, keep pushing my fitness and keep being someone my teammates can rely on."

"And honestly, I just want to enjoy my footy. I'll always find a new goal or a new challenge for myself along the way."

As Melnikas prepares to join one of the VFLW's most exclusive clubs, the achievement serves as recognition of a career built on hard work, adaptability and an enduring passion for football. With the century milestone now within reach, one thing seems certain: she's not finished yet.