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.

Coming in as the first top-ager in our countdown, South Fremantle 17-year-old Jasmine Bazeley is next up in our 24 to Watch in 2024. Getting a good taste of League action last season, Bazeley was able to run out for the Bulldogs in their grand final defeat to West Perth at Rogers Cup level, being one of the better players for the red and whites on the day.

JASMINE BAZELEY PROFILE

DOB: 13/07/2006
Height: 168cm
Position: Midfielder
Club: South Fremantle

SUMMARY

Bazeley is an interesting prospect who ended up playing five games at WAFL Women’s level, and showing promising signs for the future. Though not included in the West Australian State Academy last season, she was added to the Summer squad after a consistent year through Rogers Cup, and her stint at League level. Her season was capped off by sharing the Bulldogs’ Rogers Cup Best and Fairest award.

Unlike the others so far on this list, Bazeley is a 2006-born player so a top-ager in 2024. She would hope to crack into the senior side early and play the bulk of her matches there in order to remain in draft contention. She has some nice traits, and though she found it tougher to have time and space and senior level, can use her left foot to advantage, and provide some run.

Bazeley loves to take the game on and get the ball forward, and with her five-game experience at senior level in 2023, the then bottom-ager will have learnt plenty for the year ahead. Given South Fremantle will again be a contender for the WAFL Women’s flag, spots will be competitive, but Bazeley has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits to hold her in good stead.

At senior level, Bazeley averaged 9.0 disposals, 1.2 marks 1.0 inside 50s and impressively, 6.2 tackles. She showed she is willing to get her hands dirty, and use her speed and determination to advantage. In the preliminary final loss to Claremont, Bazeley laid a whopping 12 tackles, but also had a 17-disposal game against Subiaco in Round 15 showing she can find the ball.

Looking ahead to 2024, Bazeley looms as a future midfielder in the making who can play off a wing or on the inside because of her eye-catching traits. If she can establish herself in the League side and use her gifts to advantage, it will go a long way in her top-age season.