BACK for another year, Rookie Me Central’s 24 to Watch in 2024 returns and this year, the focus is on underage players, being those who are yet to have an AFLW Draft chance. For the list of 2024, it will range between players who are predominantly 2006 (top-age) and 2007-born talents likely to take the WAFL Women’s by storm or set themselves up for the future. Note: The list is the opinion of the author and was difficult to restrict to just 24 names.

The first name to kick off the 2024 list is East Fremantle forward, Grace Freeman. After winning the Rogers Cup leading goalkicker in her double bottom-age season of 2022 – with 22 goals in 13 games – she earned a League debut last year and held her spot until the grand final where she tasted premiership success at senior level.

GRACE FREEMAN PROFILE

DOB: 14/04/2006
Height: 168cm
Position: Forward
Club: East Fremantle

SUMMARY

When opportunities arise, one has to take them with both hands, and that is exactly what Freeman did last season as a bottom-ager. Having dominated in front of goal as an Under 16s talent, she still started the year at Rogers Cup level before cracking into the WAFLW League side in Round 11. From there, she played the last seven matches of the season, including all three finals to earn a premiership medallion.

It was an incredible rise from the late inclusion to the State Academy, as she represented her state in the final two matches of the national carnival. There, Freeman did what she does best, kicking a goal per game from six touches and one mark per match. A predominant ground level player, Freeman is dangerous once the ball hits the deck, particularly capable of reading the play and moving through traffic.

Her understanding of her role as a forward is important and she is someone who has proven at junior level that she has no trouble finding the big sticks. Even at senior level to kick six goals in seven games, hitting the scoreboard in five of her matches, shows she is not overawed by more senior opponents, and has the smarts to still create space and convert opportunities.

This year will be a big one for Freeman, with the 168cm forward coming in as a top-ager with senior experience in a premiership-contending side. Though the Sharks will have a new coach in 2024, Freeman will look to settle into her role inside 50, though could play further up the field at State level if opportunities arose.