STRENGTHS:

+ Power
+ Kick penetration
+ Inside game
+ Versatility
+ Clean hands
+ Defensive pressure
+ Marking

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Goalkicking accuracy
- Speed

PROFILE:

Lou Painter is a prototype big-bodied inside midfielder whose game is underpinned by her sheer power and contested work around the coalface. One of the strongest midfielders available, Painter does not have the speed of others, but her power and strength through her legs allows her to break tackles and feed off the ball to free teammates.

Her clean hands on the inside allow her the grace of being a one-touch player in all conditions, and she is effective by both hand or foot, the latter largely thanks to her penetrating kick. A dual-sided player as well, while Painter naturally goes off her right, is comfortable enough on her left if pushed that way, adding to her points of difference compared to a lot of other players.

Over the journey, Painter has played on all three lines, and is regularly seen both mopping up in defence, and going forward to clunk strong marks and have opportunities on goal. Her goalkicking accuracy is another area that could improve, leaving a few chances out there, but also continually put pressure on the opposition defence with her consistent forward pressure.

Painter's tackling numbers are ridiculous for a player who wins so much of the ball, and is a truly balanced offensive and defensive talent. She can win it first or second possession around the coalface, and though she can get caught if an opponent is smart and strong enough, she will often have the nous to free her hands and get the ball away.

While her inside game is an element that truly stands out, she is certainly a player who impacts on the outside as well. She finds space, marks and takes off to thump the ball forward, and given time and space will more often than not put the pill to an advantageous position for her teammates. Even if she does miss a kick, you can guarantee Painter will be over to assist and add a plus-one to the contest.

Painter's versatility makes her all the more intriguing at AFLW level, because she is one of the few prospects who could quite literally be put on any line and impact. She showed that at the Under 16 Championships, and continues to have a profound impact at Under 18s level too. An experienced player in both weaker and quality teams, Painter always maintains a high level of performance, and will make an immediate impact in one way or another at the next level.

Her leadership is an element that came a long way too in 2024, co-captaining the Bendigo Pioneers and leading by example. A consummate professional who is well spoken and driven, Painter wants to be the best player she can be, and has an underlying fierce competitive nature that will help her achieve any goal she sets.

At 174cm, Painter is a good size and can compete against talls or smalls one-on-one, and even if she does not mark it, will be too clean at ground level for most opponents. Working her way through any situation, the promising prospect will leave no stone unturned along the journey.