AS PART of a new countdown series leading into the 2023 South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s season, we will name 23 players to watch who are under 23. We are only looking at those players who were born January 1, 2000 or later, have played a SANFL Women’s senior match and have never been on an AFL Women’s list. Today we are up to number #20 and North Adelaide defender Jamie Parish.

#20 Jamie Parish (North Adelaide)

DOB: 13/08/2003
Height: 173cm
Position: Tall Defender

A change of scenery was on the cards for former Woodville-West Torrens defender-turned-midfielder Parish, who opted to join Krissie Steen at North Adelaide for the 2022 SANFL Women’s season. Able to go from a league battler to a premiership side in the space of 12 months, Parish more than held her own in the back 50 for the Roosters, teaming up well with the likes of Kristi Harvey and Amelie Borg.

After having a self-confessed “up and down” 2021 season, Parish stepped up another level in 2022, and while she was not a massive ball-winner, showed a great balance of offensive and defensive traits. Quite often tall defenders are heavily focused on one or the other, but in Parish’s case, she was able to do a job on an opposing forward, then provide rebound and support from the defensive 50. Over time, Parish has improved her output, but also her efficiency, moving up from 15 per cent within two seasons.

Having been trialed at midfield level for the Eagles in 2021, Parish was back in her more familiar defensive 50 in 2022, and she averaged the seven disposals, 2.2 marks and 1.5 rebound 50s, as well as 2.4 tackles per game. A strong, big-bodied type who is as competitive as anyone going around, Parish earns her spot on this list not just for the developmental potential, but also for the role she could fill in 2023.

Though Borg will be able to play for the Roosters at certain times, Parish is that permanent tall defender who Steen and the coaching team can rely on in the back 50. They lost co-captain Erin Sundstrom to injury midway through the season, and Parish’s recruitment became all the more vital. Still a teenager, Parish does not turn 20 until August, and the versatile tall has an opportunity to showcase her ability in a very strong side for a second straight year, and potentially give AFL Women’s clubs an option when it comes to defensive options.

>> VERSATILE PARISH THRIVES ON PHYSICALITY

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