Browning builds mental strength after interrupted start
GOLD Coast Suns Academy member Summer Browning is well aware her knee injury that delayed the start of her season and flared up again mid-season could have been worse, but her dedication to recovery was the key to returning and playing out a solid national championships. “I hurt my knee at the very start of […] The post Browning builds mental strength after interrupted start appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
“Grateful” Milner positive about year, future
IT WAS a busy year for Gippsland Power’s Lily Milner. The Vic Country representative played through both the Under 18s Championships and Talent League Girls seasons as well as getting a gig with the All-Stars against the National Academy. Milner was able to sum up her experiences in 2026 in a simple word. “I think […] The post “Grateful” Milner positive about year, future appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Forward thinking Olivieri on the cusp of dream
HAVING always been a natural midfielder, Tayla Olivieri had an inkling that this year was about change, and a move to the small forward role was on the cards. Though that did eventuate – and the Vic Metro representative spent the bulk of her representative time inside 50 while rotating between the two at the […] The post Forward thinking Olivieri on the cusp of dream appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Dees, Roos divide amongst AFLW Draft hopes
A WHOPPING 83 per cent of the National AFLW Draft Combine invitees suggest the AFL Women’s flag is a two-horse race. As part of the Draft Combine week, Rookie Me Central spoke to all 47 available players at the MCG with a series of questions to get a consensus on a number of topics. > > > […] The post Dees, Roos divide amongst AFLW Draft hopes appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Bowie thriving after “cool experiences” in draft year
SYDNEY Swans fans have plenty of bright talents to look forward to from their Academy in the 2026 AFLW Draft, and one of them is Sydney University’s Evie Bowie. The smooth-moving midfielder – who spent time rotating forward for the Allies and at times the Swans – looked fondly upon her top-age season, as she […] The post Bowie thriving after “cool experiences” in draft year appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Selfless Mableson enjoys “fun” of top-age season
ENTERING the 2026 AFL Women’s Draft, few players have a better CV than South Australian Emily Mableson who is right in the mix for the top few selections. The West Adelaide prospect won MVPs at both Under 16s and Under 18s level for her state, captained the 16s side to the title, and was part […] The post Selfless Mableson enjoys “fun” of top-age season appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
McKeegan happy with juggling act in top-age season
TALENTED tall Greea McKeegan is unfazed about having to juggle multiple football commitments or even roles on the field, with the National Academy member believing the “pretty good system” that was put in place for her helped her seamlessly transition between the Geelong Falcons, Geelong Grammar School, Vic Country and the National Academy. McKeegan said […] The post McKeegan happy with juggling act in top-age season appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Strachan grateful for support throughout 2026
WEST Australian Lexi Strachan had a “really hard” start to the season with plenty of juggling for her football commitments, as well as trying to find form for the state side, but with plenty of people in her corner, the West Perth top-ager emerged stronger from it. Strachan came into 2026 as a prestigious talent, […] The post Strachan grateful for support throughout 2026 appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Martin overcomes interruptions to produce “consistent” finish
THE MOST popular selection for pick one amongst the AFLW clubs, Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro sharpshooter Bailee Martin conceded she had some ups and downs in 2026, with frustrating “niggles” and a rapid illness before ending the season like many had predicted with some big goal hauls and eye-catching plays. “I thought it was […] The post Martin overcomes interruptions to produce “consistent” finish appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL Under 17 Futures
A RAFT of club-tied talent took the field in the 2026 National Futures showcase game, played on AFL Grand Final day. Inclement weather meant the game was shifted from the MCG to Whitten Oval, but that didn’t stop both sides from bringing the heat to provide a glimpse into next year’s budding draft crop. Team […] The post Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL Under 17 Futures appeared first on Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.
