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.

Potential Collingwood father-daughter prospect Violet Patterson lands at number eight on our list as the strength of the 2006-born crop fills the remaining top 10 spots. A tenacious Tiger who punches above her weight and can play in a multitude of positions, Patterson looms as a player to watch, particularly for Magpies fans.

VIOLET PATTERSON PROFILE

DOB: 09/01/2006
Height: 170cm
Position: Wing
Club: Glenelg

SUMMARY

Patterson will be closely watched this season not just because of her black and white ties, but also because of her potential growth. The potential father-daughter prospect is a tackling machine, who is only light in stature, but pound-for-pound is as strong as anyone going around. She applies defensive pressure wherever she plays, be it on her familiar wing or when rolling to a flank at either end.

In terms of her strengths, Patterson loves to dash and take the game on, and is not be afraid to use her smarts to run between the arcs. She is looking to tidy up her composure at the end while moving at full tilt, but has shown that without the ball, she will put her body on the line with outstanding courage.

In terms of her numbers, Patterson has already racked up 24 games at SANFL Women’s level, becoming a regular in Glenelg’s team over the past two seasons. The Tigers top-ager averaged 11.1 disposals, 2.1 marks and 4.4 tackles in the 2023 season, raising the bar significantly from her double bottom-age season in 2022.

After being in the extended squad for the 2022 AFLW Under 18 Championships, Patterson cracked in to play all three matches last year, averaging 14.7 disposals, 3.3 marks and 3.3 tackles in an impressive display. While she has her areas to work on, the speedy talent has enormous upside and could come along in leaps and bounds this season.

SANFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #9 Sophie Eaton (Central District)
>> #10 Monique Bessen (Sturt)
>> Ruby Ballard (West Adelaide)
>> Shae Archbold (South Adelaide)
>> Asha Dufour (West Adelaide)
>> Coby Morgan (Norwood)
>> Esther Schirmer (South Adelaide)
>> Emma Kilpatrick (West Adelaide)
>> 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)