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 #6 and it is Glenelg hard nut midfielder/forward, Piper Window.

#6 Piper Window (Glenelg)

DOB: 30/07/2005
Height: 166cm
Position: Inside Midfielder/Forward
Local club: Morphettville Park/Uraidla

Top-age AFLW Academy member and Geelong premiership young gun Piper Window slots in at number six in our countdown and it is easy to see why. The hard nut utility has played in a variety of roles both inside, outside and up forward, showcasing her unique set of skills that makes her a damaging player.

Last year in the SANFL Women’s, Eagles coach Narelle Smith said on commentary that the one thing holding Window back from being a complete player was her kicking, and that is evident in the sense that the 17-year-old ticks so many other boxes.

Looking at her SANFL Women’s career, Window won a premiership in her debut season with the Bays, averaging 10.1 disposals, 1.9 marks and 2.8 tackles playing predominantly on the wing. In 2022, Window moved inside to be a fierce clearance and contested ball winner, averaging more than four clearances to go with 12.9 disposals and 5.5 tackles per game.

When forward, Window was able to hit the scoreboard, converting five goals in 11 games. Moving into 2023, Window hopes she can play a similar role, particularly loving the inside clearance work where she can burst away and set up scoring opportunities for teammates.

Looking at Window’s overall profile, she ticks every athletic box, with her explosive speed, high-level endurance and terrific evasion, coupled with her aerial ability and contested nature making her hard to beat in the air or at ground level.

Being able to read the taps in the middle, Window has enough smarts to run hard forward, explode from the contest and make it count. Thought her kicking is an area that does need improvement – as she flagged in our recent interview with her – she has a lot of upside, and if she gets that right, Window could be one of the best players in the group.

Heading into 2023, Window will have plenty of opportunities to strut her stuff, first for Glenelg in the SANFL Women’s, then for South Australia at the AFL Women’s under 18 Championships. A one-off game against a likely VFL Women’s side will give her additional senior experience, and it would not be the slightest bit surprising if the Bays youngster ended up having an even greater breakout season.