TALL utility Edwina Thornquest has shown some natural footballing ability over the last couple of seasons, taking each step of the development pathway to prepare herself for a strong top-age season. She is next up in our SANFLW players to watch ahead of the 2025 year.

WINNIE THORNQUEST PROFILE

DOB: 22/06/2007
Height: 172cm
Position: Tall Utility
Club: Sturt

SUMMARY

Thornquest will play a key role both for Sturt and South Australia this year, coming in as a genuine utility who can fill positional posts up either end. Though slightly below the key position height, her strength and football nous allow her to compete against bigger opponents, and is more suited to the stronger forwards when in defence, or taller defenders when in attack.

Earmarking a role inside 50 this year when we spoke to her, Thornquest enjoys being forward of centre with her leading patterns and marking capability among her strengths. She can clunk some big grabs, and has an accurate kick that she can hit the scoreboard with when given the opportunity. Though not a high possession player, Thornquest is often played in one-on-one roles be it either end of the field.

In 2025, she might gain the opportunity to get higher up and clunk grabs at half-forward then distribute to a player on the lead, before resting deeper forward and win her more traditional one-on-ones. In 2024, Thornquest kicked a couple of goals for the Double Blues when she went forward, though largely played in defence as she did for the Croweaters when called up for the last game of the championships.

She comes in at number 10 on the list of top-agers to watch due to her versatility and traits that are more difficult to teach. Thornquest has her natural footballing ability ticked off, and will look to improve the athletic elements in her game which will take her performance to another level and be all the more dangerous. She could be just the target Sturt is looking for inside 50 in 2025.