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.

West Adelaide’s Emma Kilpatrick was unlucky to miss out on cracking on-field at the AFLW Under 18 Championships, with the defender making the extended South Australian side, but due to the top-end and top-age talent, could not quite squeeze in for a match. Still, the Bloods back produced a rock solid campaign at SANFLW level, playing 11 of a possible 12 matches.

EMMA KILPATRICK PROFILE

DOB: 03/07/2006
Height: 166cm
Position: Defender
Club: West Adelaide

SUMMARY

Kilpatrick remains around the mark for the most consistent young defenders in the SANFL Women’s, having previously been among the top rising stars in the competition. The Bloods defender is a powerful kick and is often found mopping up in defence, averaging 12.2 disposals, 3.3 marks, 2.6 tackles and 2.9 rebound 50s in 2023.

All bar one of Kilpatrick’s matches last season yielded double-digit disposals, with her season-high coming in Round 10 against Sturt where she had 16 disposals, as well as four marks, three tackles, two clearances – her only two of the season – and four rebound 50s. She also missed a match due to rough conduct after that, but returned for the final round of the season.

Kilpatrick is a player expected to force her way into the back five of South Australia’s Under 18 Championships title defence, ad is a player who can get into the right positions to be a switch option and dispose of it cleanly down the field. Often more of a safer user with ball-in-hand, Kilpatrick has the room for growth to be more aggressive with her play in the future, but is able to consistently play her role, week-in, week-out.

Turning 18 in July, Kilpatrick’s hands above her head and rebounding work stand out regularly, and she has no qualms going up against bigger and stronger opponents. Though only a medium defender, Kilpatrick holds her ground well and can go toe-for-toe with taller opposition forwards too.

SANFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> Lily Baxter (South Adelaide)
>> Grace Martin (Woodville-West Torrens)
>> Laela Ebert (North Adelaide)
>> Steph Tredwell (West Adelaide)
>> Matilda Wilmore (Glenelg)
>> Charli Hazelhurst (Norwood)
>> Chloe Tonkin (West Adelaide)
>> Imogen Trengove (Woodville-West Torrens)