@ Martin unfortunatly not...you have to be traveling in 1st class internationally or transcon in F on a 3 class aircraft operated by AA or a select few airlines in the oneworld alliance (although this can be a bit tricky if you do not have an AA segment on your PNR)

haha a great award booking ;)   I do not think they can "link" them but I will give Etihad a call to have that notated in my booking. Thanks again!

Good to know! So I would just head to the transiting area once I arrive in MEL?? Then to my gate for my etihad flight? (I will also then have them print my boarding pass rather than just on my phone (love the hard copy)

Good point, I am definately going to check in online!

Good to know! Thank you all for the help!