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.

Up next is a small forward who oozes X-Factor and upside, with that being dual-sport talent, Sienna Gerardi. Representing Western Australia at the AFLW Under 16 Championships and then playing for Swan Districts at Rogers Cup level three times, Gerardi had her taste of football, but also spent more time on the basketball court showing off her incredible talent there.

SIENNA GERARDI PROFILE

DOB: 16/10/2007
Height: 163cm
Position: Forward
Club: Swan Districts

SUMMARY

Gerardi is a player with enormous upside, and though she did not have a lot of time on-field in terms of her limited matches, she provided spectators with eye-catching moments indicating she is a player to watch over the next few years.

The small forward only played the one game at the Under 16s National Championships, but it was hard to miss her electric bursts that left everyone else in her wake. She weaved around players with ease and showed a clean pair of heels every chance she got. The only downside to the performance in the win over Vic Country was kicking 1.4, with plenty of gettable chances just missing due to composure at top speed.

That is minor in the scheme of things with Gerardi still a developing player, juggling two sports. Her ability to take the ball cleanly off the deck and burst away was on full display, as she racked up 12 disposals and five inside 50s to go with her 1.4 in the 10-goal victory over Vic Country.

While still slight compared to senior opponents, Gerardi is likely to play in that small forward’s role for the Black Ducks, allowing her to roam into open space inside 50. Once goalside, she is going to be difficult to catch, and will prove quite the headache for opposition defenders in the WAFL Women’s.

While still young, Gerardi is expected to work through Rogers Cup and depending on availability and selection, could force her way into the League side. She is one that will be more prominent on this list in 12 months time, but the talent is evident and she is one who could come a long way in that time.

Gerardi is one of a number of talented Swan Districts products who will step up to replace those who have departed the club, and bring about a new era for the black and whites.