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 SANFL 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.

Next up is bottom-ager Chloe Tonkin who has been deployed in a number of positions across her junior career, but had the big job of ruck through her two SANFL Women’s matches last season. Picking up 11 nad 17 hitouts respectively in those games, she got a taste for what is to come in the future, able to battle well against far more experienced opponents.

CHLOE TONKIN PROFILE

DOB: 18/04/2007
Position: Tall Utility
Club: West Adelaide

SUMMARY

Tonkin is a budding tall talent who has the next two years to round out her overall game. She only got a couple of chances last season, but ran out for the Under 16s at the national championships where she showed plenty of talent in those two matches. Against Vic Metro and Western Australia, Tonkin averaged 18 disposals, five marks, 3.5 tackles, 13.5 hitouts, 4.5 clearances and kicked a goal in each of the games.

At Under 16s level, Tonkin is too strong for her opponents, often clunking big grabs or using her smarts and body to position herself well. At senior level it is a little more tricky given her opponents will be far stronger – and often bigger – but she held her own in 2023, and with another preseason under her belt, could impact at senior level in 2024.

In the internal trial match for the State Academy, Tonkin largely played through the ruck, but also found herself in the defensive half of the ground. She utilised her strength at the stoppage and in marking contests, and while her execution is still a work in progress, the West Adelaide bottom-ager does have a booming kick and a great defensive mindset once the ball hits the ground to apply defensive pressure.

Like many talls, Tonkin might take time to reach her peak, but she will get opportunities this season as a bottom-ager. She will likely rotate through the ruck and then settle into a key position role, with her strong hands and courage in the air, crucial elements in her game. Given West Adelaide has an abundance of youth players – and has had so over the last few seasons – Tonkin is another player to add to that list.