A HOST of versatile AFLW Draft prospects did their chances no harm with some impressive showings across the opening round of the AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships. With two-nail-biters and a comprehensive win from Sunday’s triple-header, we cast our eyes over a number of AFLW Draft prospects.

We have only included those either not a part of the National Academy or in our June Power Rankings Top 20, with one from each of the six teams.

RISING STOCKS:

Mia Anderson (Tasmania Devils / Allies)
Inside Midfielder | 171cm | 14/02/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 6 tackles, 5 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

The Tasmanian onballer was one of the surprise packets for the Allies who held her own amongst a midfield group stacked with National Academy members. Always a terrific defensive player, Anderson spread to the outside and was able to have a say there. A natural inside midfielder, Anderson is an ultra-consistent player having come through the Devils program the last few years.

Carys D’Addario (Swan Districts / Western Australia)
Inside Midfielder | 168cm | 01/03/2007

Stats: 29 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 5 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 goal

While hardly a surprise given her form at WAFL Women’s level, it was just a relief to see the talented Swan Districts ball-winner out there after missing her past two national championships due to injury. She wins it on the inside and gets to the outside, kicking a nice goal from 45m out on the run. A standout for the Sandgropers, D’Addario possesses some of the cleanest hands and smartest stoppage positioning going around.

Scarlett Johnson (Northern Knights / Vic Metro)
Wing/Defender | 175cm | 26/11/2007

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Was our “21st player” from our AFLW Draft Power Rankings, Johnson’s form this year has been sublime and that did not change donning the ‘Big V’. The Knights tall was able to stretch the field well, used it effectively and impact the game from the defensive half into the attacking one, boasting a lovely long kick and great aerial ability. One who continues to put out strong performances regardless of her teammates or opposition.

Maggie Johnstone (GWV Rebels / Vic Country)
Midfielder / Forward | 171cm | 06/06/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

Similar to Johnson, Johnstone was not far off our first edition of Power Rankings with her power from midfield and ability to go forward two abilities of the GWV Rebels utility which will attract plenty of attention from AFLW clubs. She is strong on the inside, does all the team and defensive elements you want from your midfielders, then can go forward and punish the opposition on the scoreboard. A high-upside talent who has found the consistency to go with it in 2025.

Sunny Lappin (Southport / Queensland)
Wing/Midfielder | 170cm | 28/11/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Hardly an unknown quantity, but the Carlton and St Kilda father-daughter prospect who has a decision to make at year’s-end with her trio of club ties has really added an inside element to her game this year. A hard-running wing, Lappin has shown enough in 2025 that she can also go inside and use her athletic traits to influence matches there too. While still adapting to the added pressure with regards to efficiency, she gets into the right spots and spreads well from the stoppages.

Imogen Trengove (WWT Eagles / South Australia)
General Utility | 170cm | 25/04/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals

Rated incredibly high internally for her work rate and leadership, the Croweaters skipper was sensational on the weekend. She worked up and now the ground as that high half-forward, leading by example with her contest-to-contest work. When inside 50, she booted two clever goals with her first bringing out an eye-catching flip that got her team up and about. Can play on any line and has a lot of neat traits that will only get better.