AFTER the SANFL Women’s returned, the Coates Talent League began and the WAFL Women’s continued on the weekend, we named eight players who impressed and either had a standout game, or are enjoying strong 2023 seasons. Though there are many more in an open field for the upcoming draft, all the players below are age-eligible.

Matilda Dyke (Claremont)

Arguably the most intriguing ruck prospect around the country, Dyke is a player that would have to be on club’s radars. Having initially played as a key defender through her junior career, Dyke has played a key role in the ruck for reigning WAFLW premiers, Claremont. Boasting an impressive leap and a ridiculous endurance base, Dyke acts as a “fourth midfielder” even when she wins the majority of the hitouts. Having played as a key position player at both ends at different points, she is the ultimate key position utility a club could turn to for Season Eight.

Joanne Cregg (Subiaco)

Would a club be bold enough to pluck a 29-year-old midfielder out of a state league after just a few games? Cregg has been one of the surprise packets of the WAFLW competition, and the latest of the Irish sensations to arrive in Australia after having an impressive Gaelic career. She is already looking incredibly comfortable at the state league level. Using the ball well going inside 50, Cregg finds space, can play inside or out, and most importantly, hits the scoreboard. In her two games, she picked up 15 and 21 disposals, kicking a goal in each, averaging 3.5 marks, 3.0 tackles and 3.5 inside 50s. Her game knowledge for a player new to the game is outstanding.

Jessica Cox (Swan Districts)

Cox is a player who has always been thereabouts in terms of her standing within the top echelon of the WAFLW competition. She rose to captain Swan Districts at a young age, and has always had the toughness and competitive nature to go with her leadership and potent kick. She is strong, can win the contested ball, but also works incredibly hard to win the ball in space across the ground. When she went into the midfield against Subiaco – after being trialed forward, she had an immediate impact, and is one who would have no problem matching it with bigger bodies.

Annie Falkenberg (WWT Eagles)

The Eagles skipper has found her niche in the defensive half of the ground, having transitioned from being a rotational midfielder/defender to focusing her efforts inside the defensive 50. Each year she has gradually built extra traits within her game, and her disposal efficiency and impact within matches continues to rise. Averaging 14.8 disposals, 2.8 marks and 6.0 rebound 50s as a 168cm defender, the 26-year-old is one of those state league talents who could arguably go to another level if given the opportunity.

Laitiah Huynh (Central District)

An impressive speedster who’s production and size has arguably worked against her in the past, Huynh continually shows traits that could be utilised at the next level. On the weekend, it culminated in a 22-disposal, five-mark, six-inside 50 game against the Panthers, earning her the Round 4 Breakthrough Player Award nomination. Still only 20 years-old, Huynh needs to consistently take grass and be that distributor inside 50 more often as her strengths are AFLW strengths, and she uses the ball well when backing herself.

Mattea Breed (North Adelaide)

The athletic forward/ruck could be just about anything in the future, and a club that has the time to really put time into developing the 174cm, Northern Territory talent could be getting a value pickup. She has grabbed her second stint at SANFLW with both hands, kicking a goal in each of her four games to tally up six fo the season. Funnily enough, her finishing is one area that could still improve, kicking seven behinds as well. Her production numbers are far higher than a couple of years ago when she ran around for Norwood, and is averaging 14.3 disposals, 3.5 marks, 3.0 tackles, 3.0 clearances and 4.3 inside 50s to be a more well-rounded player with outstanding athleticism.

Abbey Tregellis (Dandenong Stingrays)

One of the more impressive over-agers running out in Round 1 of the Coates Talent League season, Tregellis stands at 174cm and played a key role inside 50 for the Stingrays during their loss to Sydney Swans Academy. Though her stats of 10 disposals, three marks, five tackles, three inside 50s and one goal does not jump off the page, she played her role, and her leading patterns and command of area looked good, and the 18-year-old could build on her four goals in 11 games last year as a forward/ruck.

Asha Turner Funk (Swans Academy)

In the same game as Tregellis, Tuner Funk was one of the stronger Swans Academy members through the midfield, providing a bigger body and a clever nous at the coalface. She won 18 disposals and laid four tackles, to lead by example for her younger teammates. She earned a Draft Combine invitation last year, with clubs keen, so will be closely watched over the next couple of weeks to see if she can maintain the consistency ahead of the AFLW Over-age Draft.