IN this week’s edition of number crunching, we look into the best performances from AFLW players in the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s 2018 season. Due to so many teams being shuffled around from what they were back in 2017, this season has shown how players can adapt in weaker and stronger teams. In no particular order, here is the best 10 AFLW players in the VFLW.

Williamstown’s Jess Duffin played for Collingwood in the AFLW in 2018 and will play for North Melbourne in 2019. She has had a fantastic season so far in Seagulls colours, playing nine games. Duffin has kicked eight goals and has constantly been chosen as one of the best on ground for her games. Her disposals and mark stats are always high, and that’s something that deserves to be seen in the next AFLW season.

Following Duffin is Collingwood star, Chloe Molloy. Though only a first year player in the 2018 AFLW season, the 19 year-old has made a name for herself with her athleticism and style of play. With only playing six games so far, Molloy has been quieter than expected but has made an impact despite this. Molloy is still a young player, so it’s exciting to see her progress.

The next and final Collingwood player in the top 10 is Jamiee Lambert. Lambert has had a brilliant season for Collingwood, kicking six goals in the eight games she has played. The midfielder is a near shoo-in for the Best and Fairest due to her experience leading to her strong performances. Despite being sometimes overlooked during the AFLW, Lambert shouldn’t be this season.

Richelle Cranston, current Geelong player and former Demons player, has been strong in the Cats midfield. With playing nine games and ranking in the top six in eight of those games, it’s clear that the coaches see how Cranston is a force on the field. Cranston has led the competition for inside 50s and continues to have high stat numbers in disposals.

Reigning AFLW Best and Fairest winner and Bulldogs premiership player, Emma Kearney has picked up where she left off in the AFLW, dominating for Melbourne Uni in the VFLW. Kearney, who recently transferred to North Melbourne, has only played six games for Melbourne Uni this season but has still been strong as their centre. The midfielder has frequently displayed her strong style of play for Melbourne Uni and will continue to show that as the season wraps up.

Following Kearney is Carlton superstar, Darcy Vesico. Vescio is always a prominent face in the AFLW and VFLW, and for good reason. Even though she has played six games this season, Vesico has kicked 15 goals, making her second ranked in the league for goals kicked. The key forward also has one of the highest goal averages in the league, with 2.50 goals per game.

Nat Exon has proven to be an elite player for both Darebin and the Brisbane Lions. Exon has had a great season and is one of the top Best and Fairest prospects for the league, with ranking in the top six for her team in six out of her seven games played. Exon has continuously performed with an unrivaled persistence, proving her necessity in the midfield for Darebin.  

NT Thunder has had a historical debut in the VFLW, currently sitting second on the ladder. It would be unfair to not acknowledge the amazing players like Jessica Sedunary who have put them there. Sedunary, who also plays for the Crows, has had an unbelievable VFLW debut herself, kicking 14 goals in her eight games for NT. She is the third highest goal kicker in the league and has been a key factor in NT’s success.

Another key player for NT has been their captain, Angela Foley. The versatile Adelaide midfielder/defender has been a notable leader for the young Thunder side, kicking seven goals in the nine games she has played for the Thunder. Foley has been a real link in NT’s midfield, allowing her teammates to have a very fluid style of play this season. Her position as in the middle has allowed her to dominate the field for her team.

The final player for this list is NT and Greater Western Sydney’s (GWS) Emma Swanson. Swanson is NT’s fourth highest goal scorer with nine goals in her nine games, leaving her with a nice 1.1 average. The GWS marquee star has been an important player for NT, usually playing in the forward line. Swanson’s dynamic style of play has led to her being an important player for NT, placing her as one of their best players in a team full of weapons.

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