AS the AFL Women’s Season 8 fast approaches, Rookie Me Central will mark the occasion by counting down some of the most talented up and coming players in the AFL Women’s. With so many stars rising across the league, we have decided to complete the tough task of naming out top 23 under 23 to watch in 2023.

For those not familiar with the concept can see our past editions which featured in both the SANFL Women’s and WAFL Women’s competition ahead of their respective seasons.

>> SANFLW 23 UNDER 23

>> WAFLW 23 UNDER 23

The criteria is simple, naming players who we believe will have the most impact on the AFL Women’s season who are aged Under 23. That means only those who turn 22 years-old or younger throughout 2023 will be eligible, or effectively those born in 2001 or later.

The countdown will start next Monday, August 7, and run until Tuesday, August 29, just a few days before the opening bounce of Season 8. Of course the countdown will be pure opinion-based and naturally difficult to just select 23 players out of the many who fit the age bracket.

What will come into consideration will be the player’s past accomplishments, rate of improvement thus far, and potential to improve this season. Then, at the end of Season 8, we can look back on the countdown and see how it fared, who surprised and who did not quite hit the heights for one reason or another.

Each piece will provide a little insight into the player, and begin to build excitement and anticipation for the season ahead. Keep an eye out from Monday morning for the countdown to kick off with number 23.