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.

The ultimate utility, Jorja Haines is a player who is more than capable of impacting across all three lines. Having plied her trade at half-back, half-forward, wing and on-ball, the Halls Head prospect is one to watch in 2024.

JORJA HAINES PROFILE

DOB: 27/06/2006
Height: 168cm
Position: Utility
Club: Peel Thunder

SUMMARY

The talented Haines is a player who could very well be higher on this list, but was limited in her on-field action last year. She played the first three games before going down with a serious ankle injury that saw the 16-year-old miss the rest of the season and denied her a chance at playing state level football.

The Peel Thunder teenager did get a mostly full season completed in 2022, representing her side in 11 games at WAFL Women’s level in what was her debut campaign, while still playing a couple back at Rogers Cup level. Fast forward to 2023, Haines played a breakout 18-disposal and four-mark game in the Thunder’s loss to Claremont in Round 2, before going down with injury against East Perth in Round 3.

Now back and ready to make an impact, Haines has a lot of traits that catch the eye. She is explosive, has a balance between her offensive and defensive capabilities, and looked like she was ready to make a bigger impact as a bottom-ager last season. In a young Peel Thunder side, Haines is one with natural talent and experience at League level, and could take off in 2024 with some continuity.

While her role might be up in the air depending on how the season goes, Haines is a future midfielder who can play both inside or outside, but also be rotated off flanks at both ends. Her athleticism and natural footballing nous allow her to step in and take on any challenges, and a fit and firing Haines will be great not just for Peel Thunder, but for Western Australia as well.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> Megan Norbury (West Perth)
>> 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)