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 #19 and it is forward-turned-winger, Central District’s Laitiah Huynh.

#19 Laitiah Huynh (Central District)

DOB: 05/11/2002
Height: 157cm
Position: Wing/Small forward
Local club: Gawler Central

Another mature-age talent make the list in our countdown, with the smallest on our list coming in at number 19. Though only 157cm, Huynh packs a a punch and has steadily improved across the course of her SANFL Women’s career at the Bulldogs. Having been touted as a terrific talent by shining at local level, Huynh started her state level career slowly, but has built into a consistent contributor for Central District, to the point she was voted into the leadership group.

To paint a picture of her year-on-year improvement, Huynh averaged 8.8 disposals, 1.1 marks, 2.6 tackles and 1.6 inside 50s – and kicking three goals – primarily as a small forward in 2021. She started the season promisingly with an average of 11.3 disposals, 4.7 tackles and 1.0 goals per game in her opening three matches, before not having as much impact in her final five games, averaging 7.2 disposals, 1.4 tackles and not kicking a goal.

>> 2020 FEATURE | Fast and fierce Huynh embodies Centrals’ spirit
>> 2021 FEATURE | Huynh steps up at State to continue chasing AFLW dream

Huynh went on to have an impressive AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships, recording 18.7 disposals, 2.3 inside 50s and 4.0 tackles playing further afield rather than her pigeonholed forward pocket. A change in coach at Elizabeth saw Huynh change her role, with new mentor Ben Hunt opting to play the speedster on the outside. Stepping up on a wing, Huynh’s 2021 season high of 12 disposals was her season low in 2022, and it only happened twice.

In every other game, the winger recorded more disposals, including three matches of 20-plus disposals. Perhaps an underrated fact was the point that each time Huynh had 19-plus disposals, the Bulldogs won, and each time she had less than 19 disposals, they lost. A barometer based off those numbers, Huynh averaged 17.5 disposals, 1.9 marks, 2.3 tackles, 2.4 inside 50s and even had 2.0 clearances. Her disposal efficiency shot up 17 per cent to 78 despite doubling her disposal average.

Looking ahead to this year, and Huynh makes the list based on her trajectory. She did a lot right last year, and though she missed out on being ultimately drafted into the AFL Women’s, another consistent year would do wonders for her chances. Her size is always going to be a question mark, but Tyla Hanks – who can play a similar role between midfield and forward – is also 157cm, and Huynh has that extra leg speed. If she can have even greater impact in terms of her metres gained and breakdown defensive zones, then it could spell trouble for opposition sides in 2023.

2021 INTERVIEW – LAITIAH HUYNH: