NOW the AFL Women’s Draft is done and dusted, Draft Central will review each club’s draft hand, and provide supporters with all the content they need to know about the latest additions to their AFL Women’s programs. We conclude the club-by-club reviews with Western Bulldogs.

#22 Amanda Ling (Inside Midfielder) 09/07/2002 | 161cm Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro

After missing out on being drafted last year, Ling put together an ultra-consistent season for the Oakleigh Chargers, racking up the ball consistently and being a force through the midfield. In a team littered with stars, Ling stood out when it counted most, winning the best on ground medal in the Chargers’ premiership win over Geelong Falcons. Also impressing at VFLW level, Ling has the athleticism and hardness, as well as high-level endurance to step straight into the AFLW midfield if required.

AMANDA LING CONTENT:

>> Ling praises team effort in best on ground performance >> Bond credits “focused” team in NAB League Girls Grand Final win

#25 Aurora Smith (Wing) 13/12/2003 | 165cm Murray Bushrangers / Vic Country

Another ultra-consistent performer, Smith produced an outstanding year, winning Murray Bushrangers’ best and fairest and being one of the most dominant wings in the NAB League Girls competition. That led her to step up to the AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships for Vic Country where she had outstanding games against South Australia and Queensland to earn All-Australian honours. With pace to burn, a clean user by hand or foot, and one who can go inside if required, Smith is a talent who has come on in leaps and bounds and is predicted to make even more strides now she is at the elite level.

AURORA SMITH CONTENT:

>> 2021 Draft Central AFLW Draft Power Rankings – Victorian Pool: June 2021

#27 Elizabeth Snell (Inside Midfielder/Forward) 14/03/2002 | 165cm Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country

A second top-age player who missed out last year, the Western Bulldogs were attracted to her hardness at the contest, and athleticism around the ground. Able to play midfield or forward, Snell has terrific acceleration and defensive pressure, with high-volume tackles. Able to accumulate the ball well, Snell won the Bendigo Pioneers’ best and fairest off just five games in 2021, and was a standout each time she took the field. Stepping up to the AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships for Vic Country, and VFLW for Essendon, Snell did not look out of place, and earned her spot on the Bulldogs’ list with their last pick in the AFLW Draft. ELIZABETH SNELL CONTENT: >> VFLW Player Focus: Elizabeth Snell (Essendon) >> Ones to Watch: AFLW Draft Victorian top-age talents

DRAFT SUMMARY:

Western Bulldogs addressed their need for speed and defensive pressure, with all three players able to run with the ball in transition. Ling and Snell provide the inside hardness, whilst Smith is the outside runner who can evade opponents easily like the others. Having all represented Victoria and played at VFLW level already, the trio are capable of slotting in against senior opposition and Ling and Snell having the extra year of NAB League Girls football has them particularly set to impress.