AS the 2023 AFL Women’s Draft edges closer, we take a look at some of the key players who could shape the draft by each position. This article will hone in on the specialist wingers, those players who love to stretch the ground, take grass and apply plenty of metres gained for their teams, while holding a good line between the arcs.

TOP POWER RANKING PICK/S:

Sienna McMullen (Suns Academy / Queensland)
15/07/2005 | 165cm | Queensland

McMullen showed plenty of signs in her bottom-age year that she could be something special and that came to fruition in the Under 17 Futures match at GMHBA Stadium. One of the best afield that day, McMullen was sensational across the ground, with her skill and decision making areas of her game that standout. Along with her athletic traits, McMullen has all the tools to become a damaging winger at the next level.

Sophie Peters (Lions Academy / Queensland)
12/03/2005 | 163cm | Queensland

Another skilful and athletic outside player, Peters has the need for speed and a deadly sidestep that allows her to wrong foot opponents on the regular. Usually a winger, Peters has spent some time inside at Maroochydore, but is suited by the open spaces on the outside. She backs herself, makes the right decisions and can pinpoint passes, with her cleanliness at ground level the next step to improve in her development.

BEST ALL-ROUNDER:

Keely Fullerton (Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country)
30/01/2005 | 160cm | National

Fullerton does not quite have the runs on the board or consistency that McMullen and Peters have shown, and is that touch smaller, but when she is up and about, can be incredibly damaging. One of the few who can hit brilliant passes on the run, particularly when going for goal, Fullerton loves getting onto her left and kicking through the ball. She can also have offensive or defensive roles when required.

HIGHEST UPSIDE:

Evie Long (Lions Academy / Queensland)
22/08/2005 | 175cm | National

The highest ranked winger who is available to all 18 clubs, Long screams upside given her athleticism, footy smarts and size. At 175cm, Long can be a tall marking option inside 50, but has an elite endurance base and is an all-round star athlete. She uses that to impact off a wing, and her ability to win it in the air or at ground level makes her a huge threat, and if she can continue to apply that consistently she could end up one of the best from this crop.

DRAFT COMBINE INVITEES:

Holly Ifould (South Adelaide / South Australia)
02/09/2005 | 168cm | National

Ifould’s best game this year arguably came when the State Academy took on the SANFLW Under 23 All-Stars. There, she stepped up without several of her key midfield teammates, and earned best afield honours for the Under 18s. A hard runner with nice speed and an ability to hit short passes, Ifould’s contested work has improved across the course of the season, and improved her one-on-ones as well.

Eva O’Donnell (Claremont / Western Australia)
28/12/2005 | 168cm | Western Australia

Unfortunately injury has reduced O’Donnell’s ability to show her wares in her top-age year, limited to one national championships game and just eight WAFL Women’s matches. She showed plenty coming off a wing and going forward, including kicking three goals against Subiaco from 20 disposals and eight marks in a breakout performance. She needs a good run at it, but the talent is there and could be an option for the West Australian clubs.