“Rollercoaster” 2026 still sees Vizgaudis come out on top
FROM the highs of winning a national championships title to the lows of a season-ending hand injury, South Australian Layla Vizgaudis can still have a smile on her face when thinking of 2026. They were just a couple of moments in an action-packed year concluding a junior career which has never been short of eye-catching […] The post “Rollercoaster” 2026 still sees Vizgaudis come out on top appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Boyd enjoys “unreal” season of opportunities
WESTERN Jets utility Kiara Boyd never says ‘no’ to an opportunity be it on-field positioning or a challenge, with the talented National Academy member enjoying the final year of her junior football career. Going from the Jets to Williamstown and incredibly playing in a VFLW Grand Final, Boyd looks back on 2026 with only fond […] The post Boyd enjoys “unreal” season of opportunities appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Competitive Barlow focused on AFLW Draft dream
SWANS Academy member Ashleigh Barlow knows what it takes to chase her dream, and as the elite level is within reach, the defender has no intention of resting on her laurels despite a brilliant year. Barlow said while in an ideal scenario she would stay in the red and white next year, she had no […] The post Competitive Barlow focused on AFLW Draft dream appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Carlshausen keen to keep building
WEST Australian AFLW Draft prospect Mia Carlshausen has built an exciting junior CV with the hard-running defender capping off her underage year with a National Draft Combine invitation. A member of the National Academy who won All-Australian honours at the AFLW Under 18 Championships, Carlshausen was also a key member for Perth in an unforgettable […] The post Carlshausen keen to keep building appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Lion cub Pritchard close to AFLW dream
AN HONEST Aiyana Pritchard conceded her season could have been better and she much prefers her forwardline role to running off a wing, but at the same time, enjoyed the experiences from her top-age year that made her the player she is today. “I thought I had an alright season, good moments here or there,” […] The post Lion cub Pritchard close to AFLW dream appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Leader Rankin sets sights on all-round improvement
WELL-SPOKEN Eastern Ranges skipper Emily Rankin is not just a player who is not just driving her legs on-field, but club culture off it. Taking a holistic approach to the game, the Vic Metro representative is a player who coaches and teammates can rely on to always make the right choice and both her on-field […] The post Leader Rankin sets sights on all-round improvement appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Eagles’ Lynch savours in success after premiership heartbreak
THERE is no secret that wins taste much better after the heartbreak of defeat, and Ruby Lynch is one of a number of Woodville-West Torrens players who know the two contrasting feelings very well. She was part of the Eagles side that fell agonisingly short to South Adelaide in 2025, while also finishing second to […] The post Eagles’ Lynch savours in success after premiership heartbreak appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Allen “loved” consistent top-age season
AN UNFORGETTABLE season that included a Vic Metro MVP, All-Australian honours, All-Stars representation and a National Draft Combine invite, Northern Knights defender Alli Allen could hardly believe the year she put together looking back. “I think I had a very consistent year,” Allen said. “Loved it, loved the opportunities that I got given with Metro, […] The post Allen “loved” consistent top-age season appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Draft Combine invite “meant the world” to Nihill
ON-FIELD results wise it was a tough year for top-age AFLW Draft hope Lacey Nihill who between club and state managed just the one win each. However, scoreboard aside, the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country talent could not be happier with her 2026 season. “It’s been a pretty good season overall,” Nihill said. “I think […] The post Draft Combine invite “meant the world” to Nihill appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Elite level just the “start of my dream” for determined Clinch
STARTING the year uncertain if she would make the final Gold Coast Suns Academy side, Queensland ruck Sienna Clinch not only reached that goal, but zoomed past it at a rate of knots. By year’s end, she established herself as the top Queensland ruck, earned a National Draft Combine invite, and set herself up as […] The post Elite level just the “start of my dream” for determined Clinch appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
