AFTER four players landed at AFL Women’s clubs in the most recent draft, the Eastern Ranges are set to have another bumper crop in 2026 with no shortage of talent across the board. In our final AFLW Draft Clubs to Watch in 2026 prior to Christmas, we name a few players to remember for next year.

>> AFLW DRAFT CLUBS TO WATCH: South Adelaide | West Perth

Brylee Anderson
Midfielder | 172cm | 25/03/2008

The rolled gold, consistent all-rounder who is first and foremost a midfielder, but has shown her ability to impact up either end just as well. A natural accumulator who is strong, good around clearances and takes the game on, Anderson has a booming kick but is just as capable linking up by hand and releasing teammates into the clear. She won Vic Metro’s MVP for a reason at Under 16s level, and her bottom-age year only further highlighted her claims to be one of the top prospects in next year’s draft. The sister of Hawthorn’s Cody, Anderson will likely be the main midfielder at Vic Metro – ala Chloe Bown – through the national championships.

Emily Rankin
Midfielder/Forward | 166cm | 11/05/2008

A smooth-moving talent who has impressed both midfield and in attack, Ranking has the potential to really take off in 2026 given what she has shown over the past two seasons. Quite often the quiet achiever with her work on the inside and ultra-clean hands, she has the touch of class with the way she goes about it and sets up her teammates exceptionally well. A surprise not to make the National Academy squad, but just does so much right. Expect her to also predominantly play midfield at Vic Metro and be a key facilitator going inside 50.

Scout Semple
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 03/10/2008

While spending more time out of the midfield than the other two above, Semple will no doubt join them there in 2026, not just at Eastern, but possibly Metro as well. She has a low centre of gravity, is good at evading opponents and has those smarts close to goal. She is capable of hitting the scoreboard or opening up play with great kicks into dangerous spots, and has shown a nice versatility to roll between positions as a high half-forward. Strong for her size, Semple is another who is primed for a big year next season.

Bridie Neale
Wing | 166cm | 03/03/2008

An incredibly hard-running winger, Neale came on in leaps and bounds throughout 2025 as she was able to spend more time with the Ranges having juggled multiple commitments in her first season. Playing 14 games and averaging 11.9 disposals, Neale’s unrewarded running was a highlight and her positioning around the ground to both get into dangerous spots and also work into defence to assist was great. She can further hone in on some elements, but her rate of development was terrific this year.

Lara Williams
Utility | 169cm | 29/08/2008

Williams is a high upside prospect with great footy smarts and slick skills, having played across all three lines. She spent her early days up forward where she kicked a goal each game she was there, and finished the year with nine to her name, having moved to a wing and half-back later on. She has played inside previously, but Williams loves to run and take the game on, and it looks like she is most damaging when there is grass ahead of her. Could play on any line, but behind the ball or on the outside could the key for her in 2026.

OTHERS:

Eastern Ranges’ depth is unlike few others, and there will always be around double-digit players in line for Vic Metro selection and potential to reach the next level. Some of the ones who caught the eye in different points across the course of the 2025 season. The most prominent outside the above names were Maeve Gill and Ellie Busch who played 16 games apiece, while developing talents Adelaide Caldicott and Isabella Lord (nine) also gained plenty of experience. Zarah Markby (seven) and Lucy Prentice (six) showed signs, while the highly touted Paisley Stock had an interrupted year and only managed four games but could well explode next season.