EVERY AFL Women’s Draft does not happen without some tough top-age seasons that are ravaged due to injury, and 2025 is no different. In this article, we take a look at those players who had their seasons interrupted – in a considerable way – due to long-term injuries, but still managed to secure Draft Combine invites.

Ava Usher (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 163cm | 11/08/2007

Power Ranking: #1 | Draft Range: 1-2

Our top-ranked star has not played a competitive state league or national championships match since 2023 when she was 16. Such is her talent, Usher still remains number one in our Power Rankings, and is universally viewed as the best player in the draft crop. Her balance of athleticism, power and skill makes her just about unstoppable when at full flight, and she, along with anyone who enjoys watching footy, were unfortunately denied the opportunity of her taking the field again in 2025. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the start of 2024, and has unfortunately now sat out the past two seasons, taking the cautious approach after a minor setback in April.

Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder/Western Australia)
Tall Defender | 173cm | 03/08/2007

Power Ranking: #11 | Draft Range: 5-12

Cowcher was another unfortunate story after suffering back stress fractures early in the year. The Peel Thunder defender going down lead to the Thunder also suffering some bad losses, such is her importance behind the ball. She’s a two-time West Australian MVP winner and All-Australian as well as WAFLW Rising Star, so she’s clearly a top-end prospect. Others might have jumped ahead of her due to form, but she’s the best intercept defender in the draft, and she uses the ball exceptionally well too. Would not look out of place midway through the top 10, and certainly not long outside of it. Will be cherry ripe for preseason as she was touch and go for the end of the national championships, but was not risked.

Jade McLay (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Tall Utility | 178cm | 01/02/2007

Power Ranking: #25 | Draft Range: 15-30

McLay was one player who could have really justified a potential top 10 pick with a good season, but is far too good to not end up at an AFLW club. At 178cm and an ability to play across all three lines, she stands tall and competes exceptionally well. Her booming right boot causes plenty of problems, and though a shoulder injury sustained during the first National Academy match meant McLay played minimal football in 2025, it will not have worried too many people. Should land somewhere in that late first round to early second, but is tough to judge given she’s such a unique talent given her size and strength.

Bronte Parker (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 171cm | 19/01/2007

Power Ranking: #30-#35 | Draft Range: 20-35

There were six Suns Academy members in our AFLW Draft Power Rankings Top 30 on Monday night, and Parker was touch and go to be in there as well. The belief is that had she played out the season she would have potentially had a similar rise to that of Sunny Lappin, and cemented her place among the first round. She was in our 25 Players to Watch in this year’s draft, and unfortunately an ACL at the first centre bounce of the second quarter against Eastern Ranges put a line through Parker’s season. Not out of the realms of possibility that she could be the fifth Sun bid on, but the injury might bump it back a touch. A really great talent with eye-catching midfield traits.

OTHERS

Central District’s Mikaylah Antony had a frustrating season with a hip interruption and then only being able to play four SANFL Women’s games and one national championships game in 2025. Fortunately she ran out for the All-Stars earlier in the year – which was her first game of the season – and did show quite a bit as a bottom-ager to earn State Draft Combine honours.

Northern Territory’s Marika Carlton unfortunately missed the national championships after having a big one as a bottom-ager. She did get to play for Northern Territory Academy earlier in the year along with the National Academy, but was unable to run out for the Allies. Explosive speedster with upside.

West Australian Sienna Gerardi is another explosive talent who was unable to represent the Sandgropers at the national championships due to injury. She returned to the WAFLW late in the season but finished the year in Rogers Cup, not able to have a lot of football behind her. She has some massive upside, and is a dual sports star with her basketball, so a name to watch wherever she goes.