BACK for another year, Rookie Me Central’s 24 to Watch in 2024 returns and this time around, 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.

Glenelg bottom-ager Matilda Wilmore is the next player to highlight in our countdown, coming off a solid first year at SANFL Women’s level. Despite starting the season as a 15-year-old, the now 16-year-old was able to play 10 games and show off her trademark defensive pressure in the front half of the ground, while representing her state at the AFLW Under 16 Championships.

MATILDA WILMORE PROFILE

DOB: 20/04/2007
Height: 164cm
Position: Forward
Club: Glenelg

SUMMARY

Wilmore is a naturally fierce competitor, making her debut in the opening round of the season against West Adelaide where she impressed with 12 disposals, two marks, four tackles and five inside 50s in a loss to West Adelaide. She would go on to essentially play the rest, with a couple of games for South Australia’s Under 16 Championships in between.

Though her production numbers did not reach the same heights – just one more double-digit disposal game for the rest of the season – Wilmore showed why she can play a role as a pressure player, be it inside 50 or playing in a higher role. At 164cm, she is that touch taller than the pure small forwards, and gives scope to be a potential midfielder in the future. Though quiet in her final game against Sturt, in leading up to that she’d averaged the eight disposals almost five tackles across her previous four SANFLW matches.

In between, she ran out for the Croweaters at the Under 16 Championships, where she was able to find more space. Across her two games, Wilmore averaged 13.5 disposals, 2.5 marks, 6.5 tackles, 3.0 inside 50s and 2.5 inside 50s, while kicking a couple of goals in the 32-point win over Vic Metro.

What stands out about Wilmore is her toughness and courage for a player of her size and age. She is not afraid to put her body on the line and gives as good as she gets. Though she was not a consistent high production ball-winner, Wilmore adds that zip and pressure in the forward half of the ground to provide her with a great experience for her top-age year.