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 #10 and it is exciting bottom-age midfielder-forward Jemma Charity.

#10 Jemma Charity (WWT Eagles)

DOB: 06/06/2005
Height: 170cm
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Local club: Henley Sharks

For those AFLW Draft fans who watched the 2022 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships last year and read the team list booklet, the name Jemma Charity might sound familiar. Not so much on-field, but the fact the Under 16s talent was named on South Australia’s extended list. As the Croweaters went on to win the title undefeated, Charity – along with fellow Under 16s talent Violet Patterson – could not quite squeeze into the side.

Though not representing her state at that top level, she did get to play in the Under 16 Championships, where she quite simply dominated. Having shown signs throughout the 2022 SANFL Women’s season with the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles, Charity was able to use her football smarts and skills to look a class above against her peers. She is one that would be expected to step straight into the Under 18s side this year as a bottom-ager, and is capable of playing both on-ball and up forward, where she can be a dangerous talent in front of the big sticks.

Charity spent time on all three lines for the Eagles, but seemed to do the most damage when in the middle, averaging 13.1 disposals, 3.4 marks and 2.6 tackles across nine games. For a 15-year-old, averaging 3.4 marks per game in the seniors really stood out, with her strength overhead, and cleanliness at ground level impressive. If given a longer run in the midfield, expect her numbers to rise, having averaged 30.5 disposals, 7.0 marks, 6.5 clearances, 5.0 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s, 3.5 rebound 50s and booted three goals in one game.

Charity will get the chance to once again run out alongside older sister Chloe Charity, and while they often play up opposite ends, the 2005-born Charity looks set for a new role inside 50. The 2006-born Charity has potential to be a starting midfielder, and then use her aerial ability away from the stoppage. A player with enormous upside, Charity is likely to be far higher on this list in 12 months time, and it will be fascinating to see how she fares against the best players from across the country at the 2023 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships.