WESTERN Australia had four mature-age AFLW Draft Combine invitees in 2022, with Claremont boasting three of them, including midfielder Sasha Goranova. Nicknamed “The Russian”, Goranova was one of two players – along with Jess Low – who trained with West Coast in 2021 as potential train-ons to fill a role with the Eagles’ growing injury list. While Low went on to get selected in the 2021 AFLW Draft – funnily enough by Fremantle – Goranova headed back to the Tigers to keep her sights set on her AFLW dream.

That dream edged closer this year, with the midfielder – who turns 21 next Wednesday – invited to last month’s combine. Standing at 170cm, Goranova has been a versatile talent over the journey, with a tough attitude and an ability to play inside, outside or up forward. She has come through the traditional footballing pathways, representing Western Australia at the 2019 AFLW Under 18 Championships on the Gold Coast, where she was still developing, averaging 4.7 disposals, 1.3 tackles and 1.0 inside 50s per game.

Since then, Goranova has been one of the stronger West Australian Football League (WAFL) Women’s performers, catching the eye in 2021 – hence her training partner call-up – and then becoming a regular player in the bests for the Tigers. Her defensive work in particular over the years has been a highlight of her game, and she has been able to fill a number of roles, though in 2022, she has largely been onball.

For he Round 15 Player Focus, Goranova picked up 21 disposals, one mark, two inside 50s and laid eight tackles to be the highest disposal-winning Tiger, and the second highest disposal-winning player overall. We analyse that performance in today’s article.

SEASON SO FAR

Averages: (7 games):

16.4 disposals
9.9 kicks
6.5 handballs
1.1 marks
4.9 tackles
2.5 inside 50s

ROUND 15:

Claremont 5.10 (40) defeated Peel Thunder 2.3 (15)

Stats: 21 disposals (15 kicks, 6 handballs), 1 marks, 8 tackles, 2 inside 50s

QUARTER BY QUARTER:

First Quarter:

Sasha Goranova started off her day with a clean pickup off the deck – something that would be a trend for her throughout the day. Though rushed, the midfielder was able to get a quick kick away under pressure, and would deliver it forward on a number of occasions. She has a bit of an awkward kicking style when on the move, but it proved effective. After showing strong hands in close later in the term, Goranova kicked forward to an effective enough contest, but the Peel Thunder defence was able to win it back.

Second Quarter

Goranova showed she was not afraid to get her hands dirty to start the second term, laying a big tackle on Peel star Ella Roberts, forcing the 17-year-old to turn the ball over by foot. Getting out to a stoppage on the wing, Goranova dished off the ball cleanly by hand and then was able to have a quick kick from the middle to a teammate up forward. It capped off a half where she had been productive and among the better players.

Third Quarter

Goranova came out in the second half and had a similar influence to her first, entering her first touch with a clean pickup and spin, but was immediately descended upon by two Peel players and locked up. She won the ball again at the coalface not long after but was immediately tackled, then when she did have a split second to dispose of it, quickly gave off the handball.

Fourth Quarter

Goranova’s final quarter saw her gain her couple of inside 50s, with a good attacking mindset with Peel actually wrestling back some of the momentum in the last half hour of the match. Goranova received the handball and kicked to a dangerous spot at the top of 50, and then won a free kick for a strong tackle just outside 50. Her kick inside was not pinpoint, but goes to the right areas. Capping off her game was perhaps her best play of the day, receiving the handball at the top of 50, looking to get on the move, and then hitting up teammate Brooke Whyte on the lead.

Closing Thoughts …

Sasha Goranova is an interesting AFLW Draft prospect in the sense that she can fill a number of roles and has a blend of toughness, but also cleanliness at ground level. A lot of state league midfielders can crack in, but not always been clean, but that is not the case with Goranova, who can pick the ball off the deck really well and dish off to teammates. At times her style can be a little awkward when rushed, and though not always precise, her kicking goes to the right spots, showing a good decision making trait. Goranova does not possess explosive speed, but she is not afraid o get her hands dirty, and is a teammate’s dream given her ability to be one-touch at ground level, absorb contact and give off the handball to a running teammate. Still young, The Russian is one to remember in the upcoming AFLW Draft.