OVER the next four days, Rookie Me Central will take a look at all the Victorian Country and Metro players who were named in the 2022 Victorian State Hub ahead of the 2022 season. Both top-age (2022 AFL and AFLW Draft-eligible) and bottom-age (2023 AFL and AFLW Draft-eligible) have been included, and we’ll run through a few to watch as well.
>> 2022 Vic Country Girls Hub: Full List
ONES TO WATCH
Charlotte Baskaran
09/12/2004 | 162cm | Balanced Midfielder
Western Jets/Vic Metro
Potent by foot, Baskaran is one of two Western Jets talents who have been touted as top picks since they were 15-years-old. Baskaran began her NAB League Girls career off half-back, progressed to a wing, and then eventually moved inside in 2021. Her ball use and decision making is top shelf, and her ability to play multiple roles and set up team attacks is what sets her aside from others. Whilst she might be smaller than most other prospects at 162cm, she has the traits that will see clubs overlook that fact.
>> CHARLOTTE BASKARAN PROFILE & STATS
Mia Busch
18/05/2004 | 166cm | Medium Defender
Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
The impressive Busch really caught the eye throughout the 2021 NAB League Girls season. Making her debut for the Eastern Ranges after not managing a game in the shortened 2020 season, Busch became a mainstay in defence and one of the top defenders in the competition. She averaged 15.1 disposals, 2.8 marks, 3.5 tackles and 3.5 rebound 50s, becoming one of the most consistent players and reliable users out of the back 50.
Jasmine Fleming
05/11/2004 | 165cm | Balanced Midfielder
Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro
Fleming is arguably the top AFLW Draft prospect that is flying cooly under the radar.What makes Fleming standout from others is her ability to attack the hard or loose ball, have those first few steps away from the contest to create separation, or weave with a killer sidestep to ankle-break anyone standing in her way. Then, Fleming is able to dish off with a lovely pinpoint pass inside 50. From a pure talent and traits perspective, Fleming is right up there with the best possible players in next year’s AFLW Draft crop.
>> JASMINE FLEMING PROFILE & STATS
Montana Ham
29/03/2004 | 178cm | Inside Midfielder
Western Jets/Vic Metro
A tall inside midfielder, Ham is an imposing player at her best, and hard to stop at junior level. She can move well around the ground, take those contested marks and thump the ball forward to clear defensive zones, which really make her a valuable commodity within a team. Whilst a lot of the top Victorian talents are smaller players, Ham bucks that trend, and whilst she might have the size to ruck, she is a genuine midfielder who can rest forward and be a target.
>> MONTANA HAM PROFILE & STATS
Bridie Hipwell
15/06/2004 | 174cm | Inside Midfielder
Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro
A tall inside midfielder who can weave her way out of congestion, Hipwell has some nice footy smarts to go with her strong frame. Capable of having a quick first few steps, the Sandringham Dragons midfielder can provide some movement in transition, averaging 12.5 disposals and almost three inside 50s per game. She also represented Vic Metro at both Under 17s and Under 19s level and looms as an important cog in the Dragons midfield next year.
>> BRIDIE HIPWELL PROFILE & STATS
Sofia Hurley
30/01/2004 | 166cm | Balanced Midfielder
Sandringham Dragons
One of the classiest players in the AFLW Draft crop, Hurley complements Hipwell perfectly in the Dragons midfield. She is smaller and lighter, but more nimble and very aware of the space around her. Hurley can get herself out of trouble and dance around opponents, whilst using the ball well by hand or foot going forward. Like Hipwell, Hurley played at both Under 17s and Under 19s level for Vic Metro, and averaged 18.1 disposals, 4.7 tackles and 3.9 inside 50s per game for the Dragons.
>> SOFIA HURLEY PROFILE & STATS
VICTORIA METRO GIRLS
Charlotte Baskaran (Western Jets | 162cm)
Mia Busch (Eastern Ranges | 166cm)
Ava Campbell (Eastern Ranges | 174cm)
Keely Coyne (Sandringham Dragons | 163cm)
Jasmine Fleming (Oakleigh Chargers | 165cm)
Montana Ham (Western Jets | 178cm)
Lily Hart (Oakleigh Chargers | 161cm)
Bridie Hipwell (Sandringham Dragons | 174cm)
Sofia Hurley (Sandringham Dragons | 166cm)
Ava Jordan (Northern Knights | 144cm)
Abbey McDonald (Calder Cannons | 162cm)
Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges | 160cm)
Brooke Plummer (Northern Knights | 165cm)
Krystal Russell (Western Jets | 179cm)
Amelie Smith (Oakleigh Chargers | 175cm)
Charlotte Taylor (Oakleigh Chargers | 177cm)
Kiera Whiley (Western Jets | 168cm)
Rylie Wilcox (Northern Knights | 157cm)
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