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.

Top-ager Megan Norbury has been a consistent feature at WAFL Women’s level for West Perth the past two seasons, locking down a position on a wing and being able to use her run and carry to advantage. Though her efficiency wavered a little in 2023, she has pieced together some terrific junior form, and will be a Falcon to watch in 2024.

MEGAN NORBURY PROFILE

DOB: 09/03/2006
Height: 171cm
Position: Winger
Club: West Perth

SUMMARY

Norbury made her debut for West Perth in 2022 as a 16-year-old where she averaged 13.8 disposals, 3.3 marks and 3.3 tackles. Though her side went through a winless season, Norbury was one of the shining lights, as the double bottom-ager showed her upside and talent, particularly through her run and carry.

In 2023, Norbury was restricted to the seven games in a slightly interrupted season, but when she was out on the park, increased her marking and tackling numbers to 4.4 and 3.9 respectively for the year. That helped her build up to play a role for the West Australian Under 18s side, where she averaged 9.3 disposals and 1.7 marks in a similar role and capacity.

Norbury is a confidence player who when up and about, can be as damaging as anyone else going around. She spent time in defence across the course of 2023 as well, particularly in the exhibition game against the Western Australia Country Women’s team. Though form deviated at times, Norbury’s best form was never too far away, such as her performance against Swan Districts later in the season.

There, she used the ball well by hand or foot, providing run on the outside as well as through the stoppages. When composed and able to execute, Norbury is the player you want the ball in the hands of, and if she can consistently produce her best footy, she is among the top prospects in Western Australia this year.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> Juliet Kelly (Claremont)
>> Kaitlyn Roper (West Perth)
>> 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)