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 #8 with Peel Thunder bottom-ager Jorja Haines.

#8 Jorja Haines (Peel Thunder)

DOB: 27/06/2006
Height: 168cm
Position: Utility
Local club: Halls Head

Another exciting bottom-ager to add to the list of ones to watch in 2023 is Peel Thunder pressure player, Jorja Haines. A tenacious talent with athletic gifts, Haines is capable of playing both midfield and forward, and looms as a top player for 2024. She showed plenty in her debut season, coming in and not looking out of place at League level, averaging 8.9 disposals, 1.3 marks, 2.3 tackles and 1.5 inside 50s per game.

Her year started with a bang back in March where she took part in the West Australian AFL Women’s Under 16 Championships. There she was able to play four quarters across half-back and the wing. Despite not being perfect with her execution at times, it was clear that her burst out of the stoppage and quick and clean hands, would help her develop into an impressive inside midfielder of the future. Her comfortable nature on the inside is just a part of her well-rounded game, though Haines played predominantly outside roles last season.

After impressing among her peers, Haines then returned to Peel Thunder where she was able to be a key youngster coming through the back-to-back premiers’ senior side. Unlike her Under 16s role, Haines played inside 50, and would push up the ground, but still showcased her explosive burst out of stoppages. She backed herself to take grass on most occasions and was clean when confronted. Given the areas of improvement will naturally come with development and time, Haines is a player who can slot in anywhere on the field.

Looking ahead to 2023, Haines is a player with plenty of potential which has earned her a place on this list. She still has her raw talent moments, particularly when it comes to consistency within games, and execution, but the traits are there, and her upside is undoubtable. If she can piece all her strengths together consistently, then Haines will be highly sort after for AFLW clubs the following year.