GIPPSLAND Power bottom-ager Ash Centra is one of the top players to watch in next year’s AFL Women’s Draft and the Vic Country representative was a standout in Gippsland’s win over Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels yesterday. The Power young gun has been a strong force since moving into defence and pinch-hitting through the middle, with her form building up to the performance on Sunday.

Centra was electric in a best on ground effort, collecting 33 disposals – 21 kicks, 12 handballs – clunking nine marks, and recording five rebound 50s, two hitouts and laying three tackles. Her season has consisted of a remarkable first five games of between 19 and 22 disposals for each of the weeks, but she eclipsed those efforts easily with her 33-touch effort.

Centra became prominent last season as a double bottom-ager, booting nine goals in eight games and averaging 16 disposals per match. In 2023, the bottom-ager has gone to another level, upping the anti to 22.8 disposals, and also taking 5.7 marks per game, spending more time up the field.

In earning a nomination, she becomes the third bottom-age talent – and fourth non-draft eligible player – and the first from Gippsland Power. Centra is also just the third Country representative from the nine rounds, with the other two being Geelong Falcons players.

Centra will next take to the field on Saturday, June 17 when the Power host Tasmania Devils at Warrawee Park as part of a double-header at the venue.

2023 RM CENTRAL TALENT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
Round 2 – Olivia Morris (Sydney Swans Academy)
Round 3 – Laura Stone (Eastern Ranges)
Round 4 – Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges)
Round 5 – Kayley Kavanagh (Calder Cannons)
Round 6 – Sierra Grieves (Western Jets)
Round 7 – Chantal Mason (Geelong Falcons)
Round 8 – Ava Usher (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
Round 9 – Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)