Melbourne AFLW captain Kate Hore is adamant instability at the men's team in the wake of AFL coach Simon Goodwin's sacking won't affect the women's program.
Goodwin was sacked on Monday night with the news breaking on Tuesday morning, before his players had even been told of his departure.
Due to the timing of the AFLW captains' day, Hore was the first person from Melbourne to speak following Goodwin's departure, more than an hour before the club's official press conference.
"I wasn't aware that the players didn't find out (before the news broke), I guess that's obviously disappointing," she said.
"It's kind of the nature of the industry, with the media being across all this stuff.
"But I've got full faith in our club moving forward, both men's and women's programs.
"Obviously we're focusing on our season, with round one being less than two weeks away. That's where my focus on our women's program is.
"But more broadly in the club, I've absolutely got full confidence in our board."
Hore was confident the turbulence in the men's program wouldn't have a flow-on effect.
"As much as we are one club, it's very much two separate programs in terms of our coaching staff and our football environment. I can't see it impacting us whatsoever," she said.
"But having said that, I'm fully supportive of our men's program."
The Demons, who are aiming to return to premiership contention, kick off their AFLW campaign away to GWS in round one.
They will hope spearhead Tayla Harris, who missed most of last year through shoulder surgery, can feature after suffering an ankle injury.
"Little bit disappointed because she's been flying in pre-season to be honest," Hore said.
"Obviously injury put her out for the season last year with her shoulders but they're both really healthy now, her shoulders, which is awesome.
"A little ankle sprain. I don't think it's anything too major so she should be fine to go for round one. A little bit of a bump in the road but no doubt she's fine."
Harris, 28, had a trade to Hawthorn fall through late in last year's trade period.
"Tay and I had good conversations over that trade period, as you often do as a captain," Hore said.
"She just sent a message into the group once it was all said and done and she's been so committed to our program for this whole pre-season, she's really locked in.
"So I'm excited for what she can do this year."
