A LOCAL and a father-daughter selection rounded out the Cats’ picks in this year’s 2023 AFL Women’s Draft as they took the minimum selections and passed on he final pick. Geelong Falcons forward Chantal Mason went at 18, before the Cats matched a bid on Bryde O’Rourke at 23 after the Demons’ bid on the Bendigo Pioneers’ speedster.
Chantal Mason (Geelong Falcons / Vic Country)
28/05/2005 | 177cm | Key Forward
The Coates Talent League Girls leading goalkicker had a prolific year in front of the big sticks, slotting a mammoth 36 goals in 15 games. After not kicking a goal in the opening two rounds and having just three by Round 4, Mason put the foot down 21 goals in four weeks as she tore apart three of the bottom four sides in sensational fashion. She would end up kicking two more bags of three, and three hauls of two, including five across her two finals. Though not overly agile, Mason has strong hands, smarts inside 50 and impressive leading patterns which allow her to impact games consistently.
Bryde O’Rourke (Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country)
28/11/2005 | 175cm | Midfielder / Forward
Geelong snatched up a coup by finding out the eligibility of O’Rourke’s father Ray who played two games in 1969 for the Cats. They broke the record for minimum games played for the pairing, but the Cats will be thrilled considering O’Rourke’s upside. She showed terrific speed across the ground playing both midfield and up forward, with her 175cm a promising aspect as well. She is tidying up some parts of her execution, but her ability to tuck the ball under the arm and go is impressive, and she was able to evade would-be tacklers regularly. One who will benefit from stepping up to an elite level.
SUMMARY
The preliminary finalists did not need to do too much at the AFLW Draft after coming agonisingly close to a grand final. Geelong added two players who provide some holes in the Cats’ current side and will be able to be called upon if required to do a job. Very different players, they will likely provide a spark in the front half of the ground.
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