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 #4 with South Fremantle utility, Molly O’Hehir.

#4 Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle)

DOB: 24/05/2006
Height: 176cm
Position: Tall Utilty
Local club: South Coogee

Those not familiar with West Australian footy might not be as familiar with the talented, high-upside Molly O’Hehir as some others on the list, but the South Fremantle tall is one with limitless potential. Standing at 176cm as an Under 16s talent – and reportedly growing – O’Hehir is lightly built but moves like the wind and has already been stationed in all three positions. Though more raw than most at the same level, O’Hehir has the potential to be the best player on this list long-term if it clicks.

Though the term ‘unicorn’ is often overused these days in football circles, O’Hehir could be what comes closest to it, being that just sub 180cm player who can be deployed wherever the coach sees fit. She is a smooth-moving player who glides around the ground, can compete aerially, and then win the ball below her knees as well. She is a bottom-age player with another year to run until she is draft eligible, but from what she showed in her debut season, O’Hehir has the goods.

The South Fremantle talent averaged 15.8 disposals, 1.8 marks, 4.4 tackles and 2.5 inside 50s during the 2022 WAFL Women’s season, starting off at half-back and then gaining minutes in the midfield. In seldom, O’Hehir would find herself forward of the ball, as a high half-forward being utilsed as the player to deliver inside 50.

Perhaps the reason O’Hehir has made it to this point on the list above some quality top-age players is what she offers when it all clicks. There are so few players of her height that can burn off opponents with ease, and not only take grass and offer enormous potential from an offensive standpoint, but also add that high level defensive pressure. She chases, harasses and lays bone-crunching tackles, then can tuck the ball under the arm and burst away.

Right now O’Hehir has not quite pieced together the consistent game-breaking ability that perhaps the other three above her have, but she is certainly not out of place in that company. In 12 months time, the South Fremantle talent could easily be that player that is talked up in the same vein as many top AFLW draft prospects, and with a big 2023, could be far more widely known and recognised.