IN a new series, we take a look at the hidden gems of the AFL Women’s competition. These are the players who aren’t the household names, might not get noticed by opposition fans and teams but are still stars in their own right.
In today’s article, we take a look at Collingwood‘s Imogen Barnett.
Imogen Barnett
League/s: AFLW, Vflw
Season/s: 2021, 2022, S7, 2023
Games [tot]: 26
Goals [tot]: 21
Disposals [avg]: 6.6
Marks [avg]: 2.1
Tackles [avg]: 3.2
Cont. Poss: 1.5
Uncont. Poss: 0.8
Clearances: 0.5
Inside 50s: 1.3
Rebound 50s: 0.2
Unlike many in her 2021 draft class, Imogen Barnett did not come through the normal under 18 system. Also unless you watched her during the 2021 VFL Women’s season, her selection is one that might have come from out of left field. Either way, she’s a forward who is diamond in the rough for the Pies that their fans should watch with eager anticipation.
It was Barnett’s first season at VFLW level this year, showcasing her rapid rise. After playing with Old Trinity in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Barnett joined the Pies VFLW side at the start of the 2021 season.
She kicked four goals in the opening match against Geelong, and from there she stamped her mark on the competition. At 176cm, she’s a tall forward with a strong marking ability and a powerful kick.
She went on to win the Rohenna Young Medal as the leading goal kicker in the VFLW for the 2021 season, and was subsequently drafted by the Pies with pick 33 in this year’s draft.
2022 may see Barnett fly under the radar a bit at the Pies. With Sabrina Frederick as the main tall target for opposition, and not many other tall forwards around her for space and a position, Barnett will slot in nicely and not have the attention many of her fellow Pies forwards will get. Coming through the VFLW as opposed to the under 18 system, opposing coaches will really have to do their homework to match up on her, so much like Jacqueline Parry at the Dees, she can just fly under the radar and go about her business.
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