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.

Impressive bottom-ager Olivia Crane had a 2023 to remember, becoming a best 21 player in Subiaco’s League squad in her debut season, and then captaining the Under 16s state side and stepping up to Under 18s level.

OLIVIA CRANE PROFILE

DOB: 08/10/2007
Height: 179cm
Position: Key Defender
Club: Subiaco

SUMMARY

From the first round last season, it was very evident Crane had what it took to be a very good player. Her hands overhead were superb, her footy smarts were fantastic, and she has an eye-catching left boot that can be incredibly damaging coming out of defence. Though only 15 at the time, Crane looked like a seasoned defender in the Lions’ back five.

Over time she earned more minutes up the ground and through the middle, even going forward to kick a clever goal after being a standout defender. Her averages of 15.3 disposals, 3.5 marks and 4.8 tackles per game were superb for a player of her age, and she looms as one of the best young guns in the competition, and for the 2025 AFL Women’s Draft.

At the Under 16 Championships, Crane skippered the Sandgropers in their first game and led them to a big win over Vic Country. In that match, Crane had 18 disposals, two marks, three rebound 50s and laid five tackles, running at 55.5 per cent disposal efficiency, while maintaining a 44.4 per cent contested rate.

When stepping up to Under 18s level, Crane had a tough task against the South Australian attack, but racked up 15 disposals, three marks, three tackles and three rebound 50s, using her run and skills out of defence to hit targets down the ground. Expect her to play a similar role in 2024, though spending more time in the midfield as a taller on-baller would also be a possibility given her stints late in 2023.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #8 Natasha Entwistle (East Fremantle)
>> #9 Noa McNaughton (South Fremantle)
>> #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)
>> India Bonadeo (Claremont)
>> 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)