Blues, Eagles search for AFLW injury replacements
TWO clubs are on the lookout for replacement players after a couple of their listed talents went down with season-ending injuries recently. West Coast’s Krstel Petrevski was ruled out of Season 7 following a right syndesmosis injury sustained during training, while Carlton’s Lulu Beatty suffered a stress fracture in her tibia.
Beatty was picked up in this year’s Supplementary Draft, but Carlton is taking no chances with its prized recruit, ensuring she has a full recovery process. Petrevski is into her third season at the Eagles, since crossing from Melbourne and will head in for surgery.
In other list management news, GWS GIANTS selected former Cat Rene Caris as an injury replacement for Meghan Gaffney who tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) recently. The signing was the most recent since teenager Brooke Sheridan – having returned this season from an ACL injury herself – was picked up by Brisbane.
WHO ARE SOME MATURE-AGE OPTIONS?
The two highest ranked players in the Rookie Me Central Power Rankings are West Australian key defender Mackenzie Webb and Queensland forward/midfielder Charlotte Adamson. Webb is currently a train-on for West Coast – and was in Season 7 – having enjoyed a consistent season for both Claremont in the WAFL Women’s, and the Sandgropers at the AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships. Adamson is a soccer convert who is still building, but has shown plenty of promise for the Maroons this season.
From the teenage options to more experienced players, Collingwood VFLW midfielder Jessica Bates is a clear standout in terms of her readymade qualities. She would create depth in both midfields and has already shown she will relocate to chase her dream. Having won a league best and fairest in the SANFL Women’s and starred in the VFL Women’s, her CV is as good as anyone’s out there. Fellow South Australian, Isabelle Starmer is a readymade ruck option.
Carlton has selected players with state league experience this year, so could even look internally, with former Pie and Tiger Christina Bernardi booting 12.10 from seven matches while averaging 15.9 disposals in the VFL Women’s.
While Webb is the top ranked West Australian, other players who the Eagles might consider include East Fremantle forward/midfielder Mylee Leitch or Subiaco pocket rocket Eva Popovsky. East Fremantle utility Chloe Reilly enjoyed a great season back from injury as a forward having played at both ends previously. A couple of out of the box selections could be West Perth duo Jeevna Heer and Grace Betti, or Swan Districts sharpshooter Courtney Zappara who kicked 23 goals in 14 games this season.
HOW LONG DO THEY HAVE?
Clubs have until Tuesday to finalise their lists ahead of Season 8, with the remaining 16 clubs also having until then to move a player to their inactive list, and select a player to replace them.
WA names 2024/25 Summer squads
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Veerhuis “100 per cent” in for AFLW dream
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TOP 5s | 2024 AFLW State Draft Combines
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Q&A: Zali Gallagher (Gippsland Power)
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Metro snub motivates Vicino to huge year
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TOP 10s | 2024 AFLW National Draft Combine
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