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.

Yet another bottom-ager features in the countdown with West Adelaide talent Steph Tredwell catching the eye during her debut SANFL Women’s season. Featuring early for the Bloods, Tredwell also stepped up for the Croweaters at the Under 16 Championships where she was able to impact in the forward half of the ground.

STEPH TREDWELL PROFILE

DOB: 17/01/2007
Height: 175cm
Position: Forward
Club: West Adelaide

SUMMARY

Tredwell is a player who is still raw and growing into her game as a tall forward, but shows plenty of talent, and most importantly defensive pressure for her size. Having turned 17 earlier this month, Tredwell still has the two full seasons to develop before she is draft eligible, and looms as one to watch in the 2025 AFLW Draft crop.

At SANFL Women’s level, Tredwell averaged 6.5 disposals and 3.5 tackles, while booting three goals across her eight games. Though she only took the one mark per match on average, it was her ‘moments’ that she showed throughout the various contests that really stood out.

Tredwell loves bringing the heat, and though with ball-in-hand the final execution could further improve, she has the athletic talents to create separation on the opposition, and put the ball into dangerous positions going forward. Her Round 6 performance against Norwood – that included a strong contested mark and a goal – was a particular highlight of the season, with the other seven games being between five and seven disposals.

Though lightly bodied compared to senior opponents, Tredwell had a much better time out at the Under 16s Championships, averaging 16.5 disposals, 3.0 marks and kicked two goals in the win over Western Australia. Her tackle numbers were down, but she also had the ball in her hands more often than usual.

In 2024, Tredwell has the potential to take her game to another level as she has the size and athleticism that catches the eye, and though she is a raw, developing talent, the West Adelaide prospect has shown great defensive tenacity and a desire to do the team things which will take her a long way.

SANFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> Matilda Wilmore (Glenelg)

>> Charli Hazelhurst (Norwood)

>> Chloe Tonkin (West Adelaide)

>> Imogen Trengove (Woodville-West Torrens)