FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Mel Hickey of the Demons is tackled by Lisa Webb of the Dockers during the round three AFLW match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Melbourne Demons at Fremantle Oval on February 18, 2018 in Fremantle, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

The Cats have successfully poached Melbourne star Mel Hickey for their first recruitment deal in their inaugural season of AFLW.

Hickey and Daisy Pearce were two of the Demons' biggest marquee signings that the club bought in before their first season in 2017.

Hickey grew up supporting Geelong and named Corey Enright as her favourite player. Her connection to the Cats leads deeper though, with her grandfather's cousin, Reg Hickey, once playing for Geelong.

The Cats have reportedly offered her an off field job with the club, as well as a mentoring role that will commence in the next few weeks, according to the heraldsun.com.au.

Hickey sustained an ACL injury last season which sidelined her for a year, however Geelong are confident that she will be fit for round one.