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 likely to take the WAFL Women’s by storm or set themselves up for the future.

While every other player in the countdown is a 2006 or 2007-born player, Claremont’s India Bonadeo stands alone as the sole 2008-born talent. There is a special reason for that, with the young gun yet to debut at WAFL Women’s level, but the teenage Tiger put on a show at the AFLW Under 16 Championships.

INDIA BONADEO PROFILE

DOB: 05/08/2008
Height: 174cm
Position: Midfielder
Club: Claremont

SUMMARY

Bonadeo was one of the few 2008-born players to make a huge impact at the AFLW Under 16 Championships as a bottom-ager. Playing through the midfield in game one against Vic Country, the Claremont teenager tore the game open with a 24-disposal game. She worked in tandem with Mia Russo, also picking up three marks, five tackles, seven clearances, five inside 50s, two rebound 50s and finishing with 1.2 on the scoreboard.

Given she was a year younger than most of her teammates and opponents on the day, Bonadeo caught the eye with her work though traffic as a taller midfielder. Even in a losing side against South Australia, Bonadeo still had 17 disposals, four clearances, four tackles and two inside 50s to finish the carnival as an All-Australian and one of the obvious standouts alongside Russo and Olivia Wolmarans.

As a 14-year-old to begin the season last year, Bonadeo was ineligible to play in the WAFL Women’s, instead plying her trade through the Rogers Cup. There she played 14 games, kicking six goals and would have to wait until this year to be even available for selection. Claremont is a tough side to break into, but as with the rise of Juliet Kelly last year, the Tigers are willing to give their talented youth a crack and Bonadeo fits the bill.

Though young, Bonadeo has all the tricks and traits to be a very strong player long-term and it would not shock if she was among the top few players on this list in 12 months time. She does need to fit in at senior level, but with three full seasons of development to come, she has so much upside for the future.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> Tiani Teakle (East Fremantle)

>> Dakota Sexton (Peel Thunder)

>> Alira Fotu (South Fremantle)

>> Holly Britton (Peel Thunder)

>> Jasmine Bazeley (South Fremantle)

>> Sienna Gerardi (Swan Districts)

>> Grace Freeman (East Fremantle)