AFTER much anticipation the 2024 AFL Women’s Draft is a just a few hours away, so what can we expect from the night? We take a look into how it might pan out, some of the key elements, and reveal what your club might be doing.

#1 Collingwood – Ash Centra (Gippsland Power / Vic Country)

The easiest selection of the night. Centra has long considered one of the top couple of stars in this year’s AFL Women’s Draft and will add serious star power to the wooden spoon-winning Magpies. She can play on any line, and her skill, decision making and vision make her an elite prospect with enormous talent. An easy open draft selection at pick one.

If not, who?

There really isn’t another option here, the Pies could be a little cheeky an bid for Havana Harris, but given the Suns covered themselves by acquiring Collingwood’s Pick 19, Gold Coast would still be able to match so expect Collingwood to just pick its player.

#2 Melbourne – Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle / Western Australia)

The South Fremantle tall can play on all three lines and has explosive speed and great skills that will add to the Dees’ list. She is first and foremost a competitor which Mick Stinear will love, and having improved rapidly over the last two years, is one to watch in the future. Has so much upside and a really exciting pick for Dees fans.

If not, who?

Reckon the Dees would take a long hard look at O’Hehir’s West Australian teammate, Zippy Fish. She too brings explosive speed and great skills, but perhaps the 179cm height of O’Hehir gives her the slight edge. A Harris bid is again unlikely to come given the trade for Lily Mithen to go north, expect a handshake agreement that included no bid.

#3 Gold Coast – Havana Harris (Bond Uni / Suns Academy / Queensland)

It is expected the bid would come in here from the GWS Giants on a player who would have competed with Centra for first pick in this year’s AFLW Draft. Harris has elite athleticism, is explosive out of contests, and can play ruck, forward and midfield. The Suns were never going to not match, and will be thrilled to add her to a growing list of young guns.

If not, who?

The Giants would just make their selection rather than place a bid.

#4 GWS – Grace Belloni (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)

What a draft bolter story this would be. Belloni was always in the draft frame after a strong bottom-age season, but more in the second half. She kept rising up draft boards to be a clear first round prospect and incredibly could go at third with her contested marking and versatility to play between attack and midfield key traits of the 175cm talent.

If not, who?

Fish would be a great choice here to add some serious speed to the midfield and would join former West Australian teammate Kaitlyn Srhoj at the orange team. This selection is the real first pivot point of the draft.

#5 Sydney – India Rasheed (Sturt / South Australia)

The impressive South Australian has long been touted as a top pick and looks set to head interstate in the AFLW Draft. Playing for Sturt in the SANFLW and co-vice-captain for South Australia at the national championships, Rasheed would add much needed punch to the red and white attack. She creates separation with her smarts and knows her way around a stoppage as well as inside 50.

If not, who?

Sydney seems to be on the lookout for a tall, with the other two options being either fellow South Australian Poppy Scholz, or Vic Metro key forward Emma McDonald. Both of whom would add some vital athleticism and aerial presence to the side.

#6 Carlton – Zippy Fish (East Fremantle / Western Australia)

It might seem a little strange that a player of Fish’s talent would slide to Carlton at Pick 6, but that looks the likely case if she is overlooked by the Giants given the Swans eye off a tall. If she makes it here, she will not go any further, and Fish will add some serious speed and skill to the Blues’ midfield. She was keen to play in Victoria and will get her wish in this scenario, teaming up with Sophie McKay for years to come.

If not, who?

If Fish is taken by the Giants, expect the next player to be South Australian Poppy Scholz. Lou Painter also comes into consideration for Carlton, but if Fish is on the board, will make it near-impossible for the Blues to turn down.

#7 West Coast – Lou Painter (Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country)

Before Painter was even linked out west, she was the clear cut choice for the Eagles on a number of fronts. Not fussed by relocation or the travel, Painter won her state’s MVP as an Under 16s talent, and also co-captained the Bendigo Pioneers. She is a powerful utility who can play across all three lines, and has natural leadership and maturity beyond her years for an 18-year-old. Will be an exciting addition.

If not, who?

If the local Fish was on the board then she would be very difficult to ignore, with the other consideration being Western Jets midfielder Sierra Grieves who adds similarly midfield depth and can go forward. If Sydney opts for McDonald, then India Rasheed pops up as the choice.

#8 Western Bulldogs – Emma McDonald (Oakleigh Chargers)

With a brand-new AFLW team heading into this year’s AFLW Draft, the Bulldogs loom as the most tricky club to pick. The general consensus is that McDonald is clearly the best key forward in the draft, and if left by the Swans would be too good to refuse for the Dogs. A contested marking star who has been thrown in defence for a secondary option, McDonald immediately adds firepower to the side that will look to ramp up its scoring.

If not, who?

The Bulldogs need a tall and the other options here are Charlotte Riggs and Poppy Scholz. Given key position is what is ideal Riggs and McDonald look to be the choices, but Symonds would be a point of difference as such a versatile and speedy option, same with Scholz who can play anywhere. An outside chance is Bulldogs-supporting midfielder Sierra Grieves.

#9 Carlton – Sophie McKay (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)

The safest bet of the Top 10 is Carlton matching a bid on McKay whenever it comes in. It appears certain that it will be after the Blues’ first selection as expected leading up to the day which is great news for those at Princes Park. McKay adds serious offensive drive and joins her sister Abbie at the club. She will get games early and provide a spark up forward before rotating into the middle.

If not, who?

From an Essendon perspective it makes sense to bid on a rival’s father-daughter, and the Bombers might even have a crack at Mia Salisbury from the Suns Academy. Of course the Bombers could just select a player, but it will be a nice pivot point for the red and black.

#10 Essendon – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons / Vic Country)

Essendon has the chance to spoil a few parties with its selection that could be pushed back to 10 or even 11. Geelong supporter Howley in a dream world would head to the Cattery with the next selection, but it looks like the Bombers could swoop in and take the Vic County MVP and past league best and fairest winner and Rookie Me Central Medallist. Explosive speed and smarts are highlights in Howley’s game and she’ll bring that to The Hangar.

If not, who?

Sierra Grieves is the other midfield choice to go with here if left on the board by the Dogs. If not, then the Dons might opt for a tall of Poppy Scholz and Elli Symonds. The tricky point given the Bombers are keen on Symonds, is whether or not Scholz is left for Richmond, with the Tigers potentially then snagging another tall.

#11 Geelong – Sierra Grieves (Western Jets / Vic Metro)

A great value selection from Geelong at this pick to pick up a quality inside midfielder who will only strengthen the club. Grieves is a natural ball-winner and contested star who will pump out big numbers at the elite level and have a more immediate impact than most. She is a guaranteed safe option to select, and will reduce the load on the likes of Amy McDonald and Georgie Prespakis.

If not, who?

If Howley is there, the Cats should pounce to bring the local talent in the door. However the Cats will still target a tall, and weigh up whether to go tall or midfield with their first selection and potentially go the other with their second later in the first round. Poppy Scholz and even Charlotte Riggs come into play here, though a tall is in their sights for the Cats’ second selection.

#12 Richmond – Poppy Scholz (Glenelg / South Australia)

It’s tipped the Tigers are looking tall at this selection, and there are a couple of South Australian talls in their sights. The Glenelg young gun who can play on all three lines will not last below Adelaide’s first round selection, but the Tigers could see her as to good to refuse at Pick 12. She has a lovely long kick, can provide fantastic aerial presence and though this year was impacted by injury, was outstanding early in the year when fully fit.

If not, who?

Charlotte Riggs looms as the other key choice of those remaining in this scenario, though if the Dogs ended up going Scholz, then Emma McDonald would be scooped up. Not completely out of the realms to go a midfielder like Sierra Grieves if available, but given the bevy of midfielders on offer for the Tigers’ second pick, a tall seems most likely.

#13 Gold Coast – Mia Salisbury (Bond Uni / Suns Academy / Queensland)

Essendon is keen on the Gold Coast midfielder, and while the Bombers won’t be able to pick her up, that won’t stop them placing a bid. She is clean around the stoppage, has some terrific smarts and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. There are bigger midfielders, but Salisbury is tough and evasive. Her development in 2024 was with an upward trajectory, and will add more to the Suns in 2024.

If not, who?

The Bombers would likely just make their selection.

#14 Essendon – Elli Symonds (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)

This is the pick that after the Western Bulldogs’ selection, has the most intrigue from clubs. Do the Bombers go the South Australian tall or pick the local utility with enormous upside? We’ve swung towards the latter, with the Dandenong Stingrays talent able to play ruck, forward or midfield, and she adds some serious speed to the lineup. The Bombers are targeting speed, so grabbing Howley and then Symonds meets that objective, as well as picking up a tall and a midfielder.

If not, who?

Charlotte Riggs would be the standout choice here for the Bombers and would dash Crows hopes. But there is interest in Lexi Gregor with this pick to be the top of the Bendigo Pioneers tall’s range.

#14 Adelaide – Charlotte Riggs (Central District / South Australia)

Is it a pipe dream or could this be reality for Crows fans? It’s certainly possible if the above goes as expected. Riggs has suitors across the first round starting at the Bulldogs, but if the Swans select Rasheed, then expect clubs to weigh up between Riggs and some local talent, given the Crows a look in at the key position utility. It is by no means a guarantee given all the possibilities along the way, but the Adelaide supporter would add outstanding support across all three lines.

If not, who?

If for whatever reason Riggs was off the board with the other talls also gone, then the Crows might consider Lexi Gregor as an option, while Claremont’s Claudia Wright enters the discussion as well, being an athletic utility who can play just about any position.

#15 Fremantle – Georgie Brisbane (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)

This is where the AFLW Draft gets beyond tricky to predict. It was already up in the air, but from this point on, even clubs have no idea what other clubs will do. More than 20 players are rumoured to fill the next 10 selections and ongoing throughout the draft. We’ve opted for Brisbane here thanks to the Dockers’ need to scoop up key position talent. She is a terrific mark, fantastic leader and will bring energy to Fremantle’s forwardline.

If not, who?

It’s that open, but Lexi Gregor would be a consideration for the Dockers, as would local talent Claudia Wright, while GWV Rebels key forward Claire Mahony is another name that keeps popping up in this range.

#16 Gold Coast – Tara Harrington (Bond Uni / Suns Academy / Queensland)

Hawthorn – alongside Essendon – might become the cheeky bidders in this year’s AFLW Draft, including with a bid on Harrington about right here. The Suns Academy member, like the two before her, will hear she has been matched and remain at home, and is valued around this area. She will add stoppage smarts, clean hands and outstanding poise under pressure to be able to dispose of the ball cleanly to teammates on the outside or around the ground.

If not, who?

Hawthorn would just make its selection.

#17 Hawthorn – Lavinia Cox (Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country)

A genuine draft bolter, Cox further enhanced her chances with a huge AFLW Draft State Combine performance that saw her record 98.9 Player Performance Rating (PPR), the most recorded at a Rookie Me Combine. That, along with her developing game has her firmly in the mix for a first round selection. Hawthorn has massive interest in her, it will be whether or not they choose her here, or run the gauntlet that she will be there for the Hawks’ second selection.

If not, who?

Claudia Wright is a shout as a versatile utility who will have no problems relocating to the east coast of Australia. The VFLW ties to Eastern Ranges forward Georgia Knight mean she is also a big consideration at this selection, while Sarah Poustie and Lily Paterson are contested midfielders who will provide support to the Hawks’ building on-ball brigade.

#18 Brisbane – Claudia Wright (Claremont / Western Australia)

The reigning grand finalists will have to wait a while to see exactly who is left on the board, but will have done their due diligence on the best player to welcome to the Sunshine State. We’ve landed on West Australian Wright who provides great flexibility with her potential role, able to play half-back and wing, or go inside or even up forward as a marking target with great skills.

If not, who?

Brisbane may pull the trigger on Lexi Gregor here right before the Cats can swoop, but the Lions also have interest in Lavinia Cox, while names such as Holly Ridewood and Maggie Mahony come into the conversation.

#19 Geelong – Lexi Gregor (Bendigo Pioneers / Vic Country)

After a bottom-age season that had a line put through it, Gregor could find herself as high up in the first round. The Bendigo Pioneers co-captain looms as another draft bolter from her club, and Geelong is the most keen. The Cats might well take the plunge at their first selection, but it will all depend on whether or not they opt for a tall such as Poppy Scholz. Incredibly, the versatile, strong marking target could land at any one of four states given her draft range.

If not, who?

If the Dockers opt for Gregor, then Georgie Brisbane comes into the mix, while Vic Country tall Claire Mahony is another choice. However if the Cats went tall at their first selection, then the bevy of midfield and smaller options come into play.

#20 Port Adelaide – Jasmine Evans (Central District / South Australia)

Sticking with the local option here, and it is right in Evans’ range. The Central District prospect will provide some serious upside to the Power, and her class forward of centre is incredible. She might not have the athleticism of some others, but her skill and decision making is among the top few in the draft crop. The softly spoken Evans will only get better in an elite environment, and she is set to land in the last first round, early second round.

If not, who?

The Power would consider small forward Georgia McKee here as well, with a distinct Central District feel to this stage of the draft. While the likes of Maggie Mahony and Holly Ridewood are names thrown up in discussion, as is talented goalsneak, Georgia Knight.

#21 Richmond – Holly Ridewood (Northern Knights / Vic Metro)

The Tigers love players who can run and carry, and that is Ridewood to a tee. The Northern Knights skipper has enjoyed a fantastic year, and is now tipped to go inside the Top 25 names. She has a chance to go as high as Fremantle, but will likely land somewhere either side of the first-second round border. She will bring natural leadership, as well as versatility across the ground, testing incredibly well at the National Draft Combine.

If not, who?

Richmond might look at Ridewood’s Northern teammate Zoe Hargreaves with this selection given Hargreaves bares similar traits to that of Ellie McKenzie. Sarah Poustie and Maggie Mahony are other names thrown up for suggestion in this range, as is Georgia Knight and GWV tall Claire Mahony if the Tigers opt for a midfielder with their first selection.

ROUND 2

As always, the second round becomes even trickier for predictions, with a stack of players linked to multiple clubs, or even just draft ranges in general. The next 10 are all players capable of slotting into the first round, with every earlier selection determining how they fall. It is tipped the Tigers will get former Bomber Paige Scott in this region, while a few more bids will fall.

#22 – Melbourne – Grace Martin (WWT Eagles / South Australia)

#23 – GWS GIANTS – Maggie Mahony (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)

#24 – Gold Coast – Heidi Talbot (Bond Uni / Suns Academy / Queensland) – BID MATCHED

#25 – Hawthorn – Georgia Knight (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)

#26 – West Coast – Claire Mahony (GWV Rebels / Vic Country)

#27 – Western Bulldogs – Sienna Tallariti (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)

#28 – Brisbane – Lilly Baker (Maroochydore / Lions Academy / Queensland) – BID MATCHED

#29 – Collingwood – Taya Chambers (East Fremantle / Western Australia)

#30 – Hawthorn – Zoe Hargreaves (Northern Knights / Vic Metro)

#31 – Essendon – Sarah Poustie (Oakleigh Chargers / Vic Metro)

#32 – Richmond – Paige Scott (Essendon)

#33 – Gold Coast – Nyalli Milne (Bond Uni / Suns Academy / Queensland) – BID MATCHED

#34 – St Kilda – Zoe Besanko (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)

#35 – Port Adelaide – Georgia McKee (Central District / South Australia)

#36 – Fremantle – Grace Baba (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)

#37 – Essendon – Millie Lang (GWV Rebels / Vic Country)

#38 – North Melbourne – Lou-Lou Field (Western Jets / Vic Metro)

IN THE MIX

There are still plenty of names expected to be either side of the second or third round lot. They include GWS Giants Academy members Ash Patton, Amelie Prosser-Shaw and Ellie Hall and Swans Academy member Emma Juneja. Northern Territory’s Tatyana Perry is another Allies’ representative around the mid-draft range.

Gippsland Power’s Jasmine Sowden and Eastern Ranges’ Evie Parker are expected to land here – though have interest earlier in the draft as well, with Dandenong Stingrays’ duo Jemma Reynolds and Kayla Dalgleish, and Eastern’s Stasia Stevenson also in the mix.

Collingwood father-daughter Violet Patterson is tipped to make it into the third round and to the Magpies’ third and final selection, while Tasmania Devils’ defender Mackenzie Williams is also likely to land between the second and third rounds. Expect Scout Howden and Abbey Vicino to be names mentioned later in the draft.

From across the country, Ruby Ballard and Lucy Boyd have claims, as does speedster Sabella Banks and East Fremantle defender Natasha Entwistle. The depth of the draft is truly like none other with 63 expected picks, and well over 80 players deserving of spots.