TENACIOUS utility Matilda Wilmore opened up her positional variety last year with stints further afield after being a pressure forward in her double bottom-age season. As a 17-year-old, Wilmore ventured up the ground and spent time off half-back, though could pinch hit between the arcs for a spark as well for Glenelg.

MATILDA WILMORE PROFILE

DOB: 20/07/2007
Height: 164cm
Position: Utility
Club: Glenelg

SUMMARY

Wilmore earned a spot in the final squad of 30 for the Croweaters, but could not quite crack in for a game with injury interruptions delaying her a little. She still managed the 10 games in the yellow and black, averaging 6.9 disposals, 1.0 marks and 3.2 tackles, playing at both ends and a little on the wing.

Primarily that forward talent who is dangerous at ground level with great pressure, Wilmore showed she has the traits to be utilised in other roles which will make her more valuable for the future. While not a massive accumulator as emphasised by her numbers, the Glenelg top-ager pops up to impact in bursts with some nice moments here and there, and consistent pressure around the ball carrier.

She cracks in at ground level and is not afraid to throw herself into contests, and with her work off half-back was able to use her speed to advantage. Her ground coverage is very good and for a player of her size, can clunk strong grabs above her head, including an important contested mark in the preliminary final loss to Norwood.

While still building her size to compete in contested situations, her contest-to-contest work is very strong and she has the capacity with her athletic traits and accountability to play run-with or lockdown defensive roles. It will be fascinating to see how many positions she gets thrown around in and how she is able to develop be it up forward, down back or even on a wing.