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 #9 with East Fremantle tall utility Anjelique Raison.

#9 Anjelique Raison (East Fremantle)

DOB: 07/09/2005
Height: 180cm
Position: Tall Utility
Local club: Willetton

One of the most versatile players in the AFLW Draft crop, East Fremantle tall Anjelique Raison has proven herself at numerous levels across multiple positions. Playing as a forward for the Sharks at WAFL Women’s level – while also rotating through the ruck – Raison had a brilliant finish to the year, kicking a goal in each of her five last WAFL Women’s games – and three Rogers Cup matches – to consistently hit the scoreboard.

Raison played up the other end of the field for Western Australian, often tasked with kicking the ball out of defence, averaging the 9.7 disposals, 1.7 marks and 4.3 rebound 50s to mop up time and time again for her side. Though not a massive ball winner – her numbers were similar at WAFL Women’s level – Raison is a natural footballer who can take a good grab, and be reliable in front of goal. It lead her to nine goals in seven games at League level for the Sharks, and she impressed so much during the finals that she held her spot for the WAFL Women’s decider, and won her side’s Best Finals Player.

Not turning 18 until September, Raison has the height to worry opposition defenders, or challenge opposition forwards. In 2023, without the drafted Julia Teakle (Port Adelaide), Raison will team up with fellow top-ager and tall talent Georgie Cleaver inside the Sharks forwardline. Both players are different talents, but both can take some big grabs, providing a one-two hit for other WAFL Women’s sides to worry about.

At national level, Raison has the potential to not only play in defence or attack, but also through the midfield, both as a ruck, or develop into a bigger-bodied contested midfielder. She naturally has clean hands and the strength to play the role, and being able to add another string to her bow will only help her further. Having impressed through the AFLW Under 17 Championships in 2021 averaging 16.5 disposals, 7.0 hitouts and 4.5 clearances, she is more than capable of taking control in the centre square if given the chance, and is one to watch this season.