FOLLOWING the 2024 Under 17 Futures match taking place over the weekend at GMHBA Stadium we took a look at some of the key themes and notable takeaways from seeing the best of the best go head-to-head.

Inside midfielders galore

AFLW clubs searching for a key piece in their midfield puzzle will not have to look far next year, with plenty of inside midfielders available. The best pure first-possession winner could well be Tasmanian Priya Bowering who won seven clearances from her 16 disposals – including 11 handballs which helped her run at 75 per cent efficiency. While others have more explosiveness, she is a game-winner and has the power to breakthrough tackles.

In a similar vein is Queenslander Bronte Parker, who after coming off a QAFLW Grand Final, recorded a match-high 18 contested possessions, 23 disposals, nine clearances and seven tackles. Her efficiency was down on the day, but given the high contested rate, it was hardly a surprise. Throw in Under 16s MVP Mia Russo, Geelong Falcons’ Stella Huxtable and Giants Academy’s Isla Wiencke all of whom can go forward and clunk a mark as well.

Tall forward race will be exciting

While midfielders can be found en masse, the amount of exciting tall and largely athletic, forwards will be another element of the draft. The West Australian pair of Olivia Wolmarans (three goals) and Alicia Blizard (two) lit up the first term in particularly, with the former going on to win MVP for her side after 12 disposals, four marks – three contested – and 3.2, but it was her aerial strength and ability to recover once the ball hit the deck that caught the eye.

Up the other end, Dekota Baron was her side’s best booting three goals and taking home the MVP with 10 disposals and three marks – one contested – for the game. While South Australian Eloise Mackereth might not have kicked a goal, she constantly looked dangerous and is right in the pointy end of the top selections for 2025. Bendigo’s Ava Bibby who has lacked supply in the Talent League this year showed she can make the most of her opportunities, kicking three goals and has one of the most reliable set shots going around.

Leadership potential

It is worth highlighting the two captains of the respective sides, with Tasmanian Bowering and Northern Knights’ Marlo Graham chosen as the leaders. That indicates both have impressed coaches at the three-day program and will be ones to watch for further leadership duties for their Talent League sides and potential states next year.

Missing in action

Incredibly despite the talent on show, the likely number one pick in Ava Usher was not out there on the weekend, having missed her entire bottom-age season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury over the preseason. Usher has just about the full package from explosive athleticism, outstanding endurance, a penetrating and accurate kick, and a high level of competitiveness.

Alongside Usher, Olivia Crane (knee) was also out, as was Olivia Lacy who showed plenty of promise for the Pioneers. Though not included in the Under 17 Futures program, Swan Districts power midfielder Carys D’Addario (hip) is another player who would not be too far off consideration.

AFLW Academy selection

With action for all bar the Coates Talent League Girls, New South Wales and Tasmanian competitions done from a state or sub-elite junior level, most of the players will prepare for a big off-season ahead of their draft years. However for AFLW Academy selectors, the time is now to try and pick those players who will be involved in the elite pathway program for 2025.

In 2024, Victoria had 11 representatives ahead of South Australia (five), while Western Australia and Queensland had three. Expect the latter two states to have at least a few more in next year’s Academy, while even Tasmania (who had one) will likely have a couple as well. The AFLW Academy was named in mid-November last year.