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.

Versatile tall Lucy Boyd is more than capable of playing at both ends, with the strong contested marker having a brilliant double bottom-age season, before splitting her time up both ends last season. A regular member of the South Australian Under 18s squad, Boyd is one to watch coming into 2024.

LUCY BOYD PROFILE

DOB: 12/10/2006
Height: 172cm
Position: Tall Utility
Club: West Adelaide

SUMMARY

Boyd’s 2023 season was hampered by both injury and suspension, as the West Adelaide junior managed the six SANFL Women’s games and two national carnival matches in her bottom-age season. For the Bloods, she averaged 11.3 disposals, using the ball at an elite 84 per cent, while managing 2.3 marks and 3.3 tackles.

The 172cm young gun had a huge game against North Adelaide in Round 2, picking up 14 disposals and a massive 11 rebound 50s in a 10-point win, showing what she is capable of from defence. After missing matches mid-season due to suspension, Boyd returned to the fold as a forward in Round 8 and could not quite have the same impact due to limited chances inside 50.

What stands out about Boyd is her aerial ability, reading the ball well in flight and is able to time her leads and leaps well to either clunk a grab, or spoil well. Able to understand the flow better behind the ball, Boyd looms as a natural rebounding defender who can pinch-hit forward when required. Her bottom-age state carnival saw her played as another marking forward alongside Bloods teammate, Lauren Young.

A point of difference for Boyd compared to a lot of talls is her ground level pressure, laying plenty of tackles per game. Though her form can waiver, she hit five or more tackles in three of her six games, and when playing in defence, averaged 15 disposals, three marks, 4.5 tackles and 4.8 rebound 50s. It will be fascinating to see her role across both competitions this year.

SANFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #8 Violet Patterson (Glenelg)
>> #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)