AS PART of a new series leading into the 2023 Western Australian Football League (WAFL) Women’s season, we count down 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 WAFL Women’s senior match and have never been on an AFL Women’s list. Today we continue our countdown at number #15 which is high-upside South Fremantle forward, Rosie Anderson.

#15 Rosie Anderson (South Fremantle)

DOB: 05/05/2005
Height: 176cm
Position: Tall Forward
Local club: Narrogin

Blessed with natural gifts, South Fremantle excitement machine Rosie Anderson enters our 23 Under 23 in 2023 count at number 15. Though not a member of the Under 18s Academy last year, Anderson earned a place in the State Academy for her top-age season, off the back off some eye-catching performances for the Bulldogs. Far from the finished product, Anderson has a lot to like about her game, with a high upside and balance between offensive and defensive nous.

From an offensive perspective, Anderson booted five goals from nine games in a team that was still in the bottom half of the ladder. She looked dangerous whenever she went near the ball, or the opponent with the ball, and of her 9.8 disposals, 4.2 of them were inside 50s. She often sat in that high half-forward position, receiving the ball and delivering it inside 50. When she had the ball in her hands, it was clear something was about to happen.

From a defensive perspective, Anderson still laid 3.3 tackles, and her explosive speed allows her to mow down opponents in a similar vein to escaping them. Her spatial awareness is very impressive, and her evasion is among the best of her peers. Even aerially, Anderson still averaged 1.4 marks per game, and while it could improve, her hands are slick, and at ground level she is a one-touch player.

On sheer traits alone, Anderson would be far higher on this list, but the key for the South Fremantle young gun is consistency. Not only that, but adapting to games where perhaps it is not going her way, and the defence is able to nullify her, how she is going to still find a way to impact. It is all about development and learning tricks to improve, and if Anderson can do that, then her natural footballing ability will be able to shine through.

It will be an exciting season ahead for Anderson, who has all the potential to go big, and it will be a case to see if she can put all the pieces of her game together and have a consistent 2023.