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.
Scouting Notes: 2024 Coates Talent League Girls – Round 3
SEVEN matches played out in Round 3 of the Coates Talent League Girls competition, with the NSW/ACT Academies coming to the party. We cast our eye across each of the games and took note of some of the players with a focus on those in Victorian hubs or others that shone. As always, notes are […]
WA AFLW Draft talents rising to the top
WESTERN Australia’s top three AFL Women’s Draft talents have combined for a massive 103 disposals in their most recent games, with the trio of AFLW Academy members all having days out. East Fremantle’s Zippy Fish, South Fremantle’s Molly O’Hehir and Claremont’s Claudia Wright are all very different players, but have crossover traits that make them […]
State Academy notes: 2024 SANFLW – Round 7
THERE was no shortage of State Academy members running around for Round 7 of the SANFL Women’s following the return of the title-winning Under 16s to their respective clubs. As always we took note of those players in the State Academy and how they performed, with notes the opinion of the individual author.
State Academy notes: 2024 WAFLW – Round 8
WESTERN Australia’s State Academy members continued their seasons for Round 8 of the WAFL Women’s, with just one more round until the league-wide bye. While Zippy Fish was among those not out there, the other two West Australian AFLW Academy members stood up in their games.
2024 SANFLW Player Focus: Grace Martin (WWT Eagles)
WOODVILLE-WEST Torrens midfielder Grace Martin is quietly flying under the radar in the 2024 SANFL Women’s season. The top-age Eagles midfielder was prominent playing on-ball in the loss to Glenelg, racking up seven clearances and seven inside 50s to go with her 10 tackles and 19 disposals. Not the largest accumulator and Martin can tend […]
2024 AFLW Under 16s All-Australian team announced
CHAMPIONS South Australia have topped the 2024 AFL Women’s Under 16s All-Australian team nominations with with seven players, four more than any other state or Academy. Behind the Croweaters was the likes of Brisbane Lions Academy, Vic Country and Western Australia who all had three, making up 16 of the 23 players. GWS Giants Academy […]
Q&A: Megan Norbury (West Perth)
WEST Perth winger Megan Norbury posted one of the best yo-yo times at the Preseason Testing Day, with the top-age runner one of a number of West Australian AFLW draft prospects this year. We spoke to Norbury at the event about her football journey, game and future goals. Q: Megan, tell us about your footy […]
PODCAST | Game Sense: Season 3, Episode 6
THE GAME Sense Podcast is back for another episode, with plenty of talking points to touch on after an action-packed week of women’s pathway football. From top prospects strutting their stuff, to players returning from long-term injuries, and the Under 16 National Championships, there is plenty to get through with host Michael Alvaro and resident […]
State Academy notes: 2024 WAFLW – Round 7
EAST Perth grabbed its first win of the WAFL Women’s season thanks to a young gun’s purple patch, while an East Fremantle top-ager starred in the Sharks’ Round 7 win over West Perth. We noted down the State Academy members who took to the field over the weekend, and as always the notes are the […]
