FOLLOWING a dominant campaign through the Coates Talent League Girls where the GWS Giants Academy remained undefeated, we review the results and players who caught the eye throughout the month of action across three different states.

RESULTS:

Round 3: def. Murray Bushrangers by 74 points
Round 4: def. Sandringham Dragons by 50 points
Round 5: def. Tasmania Devils by 32 points
Round 6: def. Western Jets by 57 points

STANDOUTS

Majella Day
Tall Forward | 175cm | 11/03/2008

Day reminded everyone just what she is capable of and looms as a top-end talent in next year’s AFLW Draft. An outstanding aerial player who can mark the ball with or without contact, she is equally a lovely set shot, usually hitting the scoreboard from anywhere inside 50. She booted 14 goals from her four games – an average of 3.5 majors per match – and only five behinds in that time. She can play in defence as well, but her best work is done close to goal with her reading of the ball in flight and forward craft just exceptional.

Sophia Gaukrodger
Forward | 173cm | 16/01/2007

It was hard not to enjoy what Gaukrodger produced across the four games, really putting her hand up in AFLW Draft conversation. While Wiencke will deservedly receive plenty of plaudits, Gaukrodger has firmly planted herself as one to watch from the top-age group. She kicked six goals and laid seven tackles per game, while averaging 18.5 touches. A really well-balanced player who brings the defensive heat, but can do damage on the scoreboard, she was huge.

Isla Wiencke
Midfielder | 174cm | 30/03/2007

The National Academy member is one of the most touted prospects in New South Wales this year and it is easy to see why. Boasting incredible strength and power, she is a clearance expert, averaging seven per game and having 21 more clearances than the next highest Giant. Wiencke can rotate forward and provide a marking option, though did only kick the one goal through the four matches. However along with her seven clearances per game, Wiencke averaged 17.8 disposals and 5.8 tackles, running at a 66.1 per cent contested rate.

Amelie Prosser-Shaw
Defender/Midfielder | 175cm | 14/11/2006

Thought she should have been drafted last year and is the case again in 2025. The hard-running, tall talent has explosive speed and great evasion, while being able to find the ball in any role across the field. She can be an intercepting force in the back half, looks for one-twos or goes into the middle and uses her power to clear the ball inside 50. She averaged 17.5 disposals, 3.3 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s and kicked two goals. A very offensively-minded player with her run and carry.

Ellie Hall
Defender/Midfielder | 174cm | 07/07/2006

Another one who was in the draft conversation last year, Hall was a ball magnet wherever she played. Often starting at centre bounces then going behind the ball, Hall can compete in the air, but also win the pill inside or outside and use her penetrating kick to hit targets further afield. Playing across the four games, Hall won more of the ball than any other Giant, averaging a stat-stuffing 21.5 disposals, 5.3 marks, 5.8 tackles, 3.0 inside 50s and 3.3 rebound 50s.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Montana Doubell
Forward | 165cm | 04/03/2007

Had a really pleasing carnival for the Giants and contributed strongly to the front half of the ground. Strong overhead for her size, Doubell booted three goals in four games and averaged 3.3 inside 50s from 14.5 disposals and 2.5 marks. Her defensive pressure was also a treat, locking the ball in the front half with 4.3 tackles per match.

Aoife Berry
Forward | 164cm | 16/08/2007

Another surprise packet who popped up on that half-forward line with Gaukrodger, Berry was able to look slick and get the ball into dangerous positions. She averaged 12.0 disposals, 3.5 tackles, 4.3 inside 50s and booted a couple of goals for her trouble. Most of the time she was searching for leading targets and playing the facilitator role.

Yasmeen Janschek
Ruck | 184cm | 17/02/2006

Possibly one of the most raw talents going around, the dual-sportsperson has given footy a crack and was able to use her superior height to dominate around the stoppages. Often getting first hands to it with 33.5 hitouts per game, Janschek learnt plenty as the series went on. Her footy IQ and fundamentals are a real work in progress, but is mobile and covers the ground well.

INTO THE FUTURE

Morgan Stevens
Tall Defender | 177cm | 13/08/2008

Defenders do not often get a lot of love when it comes to performance, but Stevens really caught the eye as both being accountable and providing an outlet to transition defence into attack. She is strong, can compete with players of a variety of sizes and has a powerful kick to-boot. Across her four games, Morgan averaged 13.0 disposals, 1.8 marks, 1.5 inside 50s and 1.7 rebound 50s.

Darcie Prosser-Shaw
Defender/Midfielder | 171cm | 02/06/2008

The younger of the Prosser-Shaw sisters, Darcie projects as a high draft prospect for next year, with her versatility across defence and midfield – inside or outside – and with similar athletic traits to her older sibling. Prosser-Shaw has a penetrating kick and good hands, averaging 15.7 disposals, 3.0 tackles, and five inside 50s, playing the three matches.

Hannah Phillips
Defender | 168cm | 13/06/2008

A rock solid defender who really stood out throughout the carnival, Phillips does a great job of being a defender first, but can also provide some run and carry too. She can play on opponents taller than her 168cm height, and averaged 11.5 disposals, 2.0 marks, 2.3 tackles and 2.5 rebound 50s throughout the carnival. Will form a nice partnership with the others above over the next 12 months.

SUMMARY

The GWS Giants Academy walk away from the Coates Talent League Girls campaign with plenty to show for it, and not just the wins on the board. The orange team easily accounted for each opponent, but had several top-age players further enhance their draft claims, as well as their hopes for Allies representation.