ONLY one more sleep remains until the 2024 QAFL Women’s season kicks off with plenty of young talent lining up in the senior competition this year. Littered with Suns Academy and Lions Academy members, all eight sides are back to square one and on equal pegging heading into the new year.

ASPLEY HORNETS

Last season: Runners-up

Last year’s surprise packets went all the way to the final day of the season, but could not quite get it done against a ridiculously stacked Bond University. The Hornets head into 2024 with far more confidence after the grand final appearance, but will be minus a few key players headlined by the departure of Mikayla Martin. The Hornets will gain the services of AFLW experienced talents, Tiarna Ernst and Kitara Whap-Farrar.

AFLW Draft Watch: Isabella McDonough (Forward)

BOND UNIVERSITY

Last season: Premiers

The team to beat once again, as the reigning premiers have recruited strongly to bulk up an already incredible list. Bringing in ex-AFLW talents in Tahlia Meyer, Imogen Evans and Arianna Clarke, the Bull Sharks have also been able to secure the services of talented sportsperson and Suns Academy graduate Charlotte Adamson. They lose one of the best players in the country in Ava Usher to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a devastating blow, but the depth of this side is incredible.

AFLW Draft Watch: Havana Harris (Tall Utility) & Tara Harrington (Midfielder)

COORPAROO

Last season: 4th

The Kings will be out to rise up the table in 2024 after a competitive season, but one where they were ultimately below the top three sides. They have been able to regain the services of key forward Jenae Govan from a long-term injury, while Alyssa Gall and Emily Harding are two players looking to take the next step in their careers after sensational seasons in Cairns and Townsville respectively. Losing Laura Blue is a huge loss, but the Kings still have a competitive side that will push most teams.

AFLW Draft Watch: Jacinta Baldwick (Forward/Midfielder)

MAROOCHYDORE

Last season: 7th

Maroochydore was unable to gain consistency last season with an inexperienced list that will be much better for the year. Recruiting from the lower divisions to provide readymade depth, while also targeting youth, the Roos are excited about bringing in former Suns Academy member Abbey Rankin who will play as an inside midfielder and show off her smarts and strength. A side with rich AFLW Draft history, the Roos saw Sophie Peters and Indiana Williams take the next step and land at the Lions last season. Tall Chelsea Gillard and the ever-reliable Sara-Jane O’Grady are others to watch.

AFLW Draft Watch: Lilly Baker (Ruck)

SOUTHPORT

Last season: 3rd

No doubt when it comes to hunger that the Sharks will not be lacking it in any way, shape or form. The dominant team of the home and away season departed the QAFL Women’s finals in straight sets after defeat to the eventual grand finalists. Still with a stacked list, the Sharks are not to be messed with, and bringing up an embarrassment of riches from the juniors will only further help their cause. Maighan Fogas and Kaylee Kimber will bring more AFLW experience to the club, while bottom-agers, Dekota Baron, Sunny Lappin and Alannah Welsh will immediately strengthen the side. Of course all of this on top of the league best and fairest winner, Steph O’Brien.

AFLW Draft Watch: Ebony Milne (Utility)

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

Last season: 5th

After losing a lot of its list over off-season 12 months ago, the University of Queensland went from back-to-back premiers to missing finals, but got better as the year went on. Now heading into 2024, the club has been able to build up its list again, bringing in some talented youngsters such as ex-Kings Josii Hargreaves and Coco Garton. However the Red Lionesses have also searched outside the box, picking up a trio of netballers including former Australian Diamonds and Queensland Firebirds midcourter Gabi Simpson, and Firebirds teammate Laura Clemesha.

AFLW Draft Watch: Ashleigh Moyle (Utility)

WILSTON GRANGE

Last season: 6th

The Gorillas were another side that finished outside the top four, but have had plenty of continuity over the off-season heading into the new year. Headlined by former skipper Mackenzie Findlay and rising talent Keyshia Matenga, the Gorillas will look to overcome the loss of skipper Chloe Litherland who will miss the year recovering from an ACL tear. Former junior and dangerous forward Kadie Fletcher has also returned to the club in an exciting coup for the side.

AFLW Draft Watch: Zimra Hussain (Midfielder/Defender)

YERONGA-SOUTH BRISBANE

Last season: 8th

Last year’s wooden spooners, the Devils battled at times and went winless throughout the season with an 0-14 record. However with all teams back even again at the start of the year, the Devils will be keen to continue to move up the table. Peppa Poultney and Courtney McDonnell will be key players in driving Yeronga South Brisbane up the table, while skipper Lucy Bellinger leads from the front.

AFLW Draft Watch: Farrandai Hopkins (Defender)