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 #6 with West Perth winger Megan Norbury.

#6 Megan Norbury (West Perth)

DOB: 09/03/2006
Height: 171cm
Position: Winger
Local club: Wanneroo

The remarkable fifth West Perth player inside the 23 Under 23 WAFL Women’s countdown, Norbury only turns 17 next month. The talented winger has the traits that standout on a football field, and despite being light, was able to use her evasion and speed to feel comfortable at League level. She averaged 13.8 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.2 tackles, as well as providing terrific run in transition between the arcs. While the Falcons did struggle to get the ball inside 50 consistently, Norbury was an impressive shining light.

Norbury is an all-round threat, as are those inside the top third of the countdown. She has the terrific mix of skill, speed and smarts that make her such a damaging player. She can always add extra strength to her frame, and iron out her execution under pressure, but when given time and space, Norbury is the type of player who can cut up the opposition. She works hard, covers ground easily and takes grass when given half a chance. What is more impressive is the fact she is a bottom-ager, so still ahs another year to go.

Norbury is a member of the State Academy for 2023, and will play as a bottom-ager in that squad alongside a host of other talented 17-year-old rising stars. Her cleanliness both at ground level and in the air, as well a loose ball gatherer is what separates her from a lot of wingers. While many can work to get into the right spots and perhaps win the ball aerially, Norbury has the capacity to add an extra number at the coalface. Perhaps an even greater point of difference is her defensive pressure which is high for an outside player.

In 2023, Norbury is likely to be a name that AFLW Draft fans will hear more about even though she is not eligible for this year’s draft. At 171cm and potentially growing a few more centimetres, she is a good size, and will have less pressure on this year with greater support behind the ball. While in 2022, Norbury would have to work back ultra-hard to support the defence, with extra experience in the defensive 50, she will be able to fulfil a more offensive role this year. That will only make her more influential on a game-to-game basis.