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.

South Fremantle pocket rocket Noa McNaughton managed to play out a strong season off the back of an injury-interrupted 2022. Playing 14 games at WAFL Women’s level, and then all three games for the Sandgropers at the national carnival, McNaughton averaged a goal a game across the competitions.

NOA MCNAUGHTON PROFILE

DOB: 20/10/2006
Height: 158cm
Position: Small Forward
Club: South Fremantle

SUMMARY

McNaughton has an array of traits that catch the eye when playing inside 50. The South Fremantle small forward is clever and agile, able to get into the right spots and do a lot of damage on the scoreboard. In 2023, McNaughton kicked 16 goals in 14 games from 9.9 disposals, while also laying the 2.4 tackles for the year.

Providing immense pressure at ground level, McNaughton knows where the big sticks are, and once goalside is hard to stop. She can kick some incredible goals from various angles and even graduated to midfield minutes last season. In 2024, McNaughton will likely still predominantly play as a forward, but has the potential to push up into the midfield.

While having the nous around the ball and in front of goal, improving her one-touch ability at ground level will be an area she can take her game to another level, as well as her defensive elements. But when it comes to offensive abilities, McNaughton is as damaging as anyone else inside the forward 50. She is not afraid to take grass, and even when under pressure, she finds space for herself to dispose of the ball cleanly.

Now a top-ager, McNaughton is ready to take her game to another level. While she is currently out with a toe injury, she will be still looking to make an impression early in the season for the Bulldogs, and then the Sandgropers side.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #10 Olivia Wolmarans (Subiaco)
>> Taya Chambers (East Fremantle)
>> Carys D’Addario (Swan Districts)
>> Jorja Haines (Peel Thunder)
>> 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)