BOASTING two top 10 picks in the 2023 AFL Women’s Draft, the Magpies took a couple of talls to fill needs, as well as an explosive defender. In Collingwood’s best draft position since the inaugural draft that netted them Chloe Molloy, the Magpies were able to double down on some height, taking Georgia Clark and Lucy Cronin with Picks 8 and 9, and then defender Amber Schutte with 32.

Georgia Clark (Tasmania Devils / Tasmania)
11/12/2005 | 173cm | Tall Forward

Clark fits a need for the Magpies as a tall forward who can clunk contested marks, but has the capacity to use her good foot skills to hit targets over multiple distances. Having a booming and reliable set shot kick on her, Clark is one who can take her chance on goal anywhere inside 50, and have an impact on games. She is not a pure scorer however, with the tall forward offering a point of difference, laying a whopping 5.3 tackles per game. That along with a high work rate and her unique contested marking ability – arguably the best in the draft – make her an all-round threat.

Lucy Cronin (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)
10/05/2005 | 177cm | Key Defender

A genuine AFLW Draft bolter, Cronin was tipped to go mid-draft thanks to a blistering second half of the season. Returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) early on in 2023, the top-ager quickly settled into a key defensive post for the Chargers. Though still learning some areas of her craft such as her intercept marking, Cronin’s speed and agility really stands out on the field, and she is strong one-on-one ale to bring the ball to ground. Her ground level game for her size is as good as anyone’s and her upside and ability to translate those traits into developing into a key forward if needed, is what endeared her to the Pies.

Amber Schutte (Gippsland Power / Vic Country)
13/12/2005 | 171cm | Medium Defender

Adding some explosive speed to the mix, Schutte is a good sized medium defender at 171cm, and along with Clark, only recently turned 18. A late year birth indicates she has extra improvement to come, and equipped with a penetrating right boot and strong defensive pressure, adds both an element of offensive and defensive traits. Still tightening up some areas of her game, Schutte is another high-upside talent thanks to her speed-strength mix, and again ticks all the boxes of being a super athlete. The sole Gippsland Power player taken, Schutte joins Tew Jiath at the Magpies after the Power defender was taken in the men’s draft.

SUMMARY

Collingwood looked to get some marking ability through its selections, and players who are willing to get their hands dirty at ground level. Clark is an elite contested mark but brings that pressure in the front half, while both Cronin and Schutte are athletic defenders with upside. The selections give the Magpies something to work with going forward under a new coach and direction.