ONE OF only three National Academy members from her state, Perth’s Mia Carlshausen is a highly touted prospect. An All-Australian member at Under 15s level, Carlshausen provides plenty of run and carry, and had a breakout season at League level last year for the Demons’ inaugural WAFLW team.
>> AFLW Draft Q&A: Mia Carlshausen
We spoke to Carlshausen about her past 12 months, the role she sees herself playing, her game and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Mia, talk us through the 12 months since we last spoke and what it’s been like for you?
MC: “It was really eye-opening to be honest. Getting my first run in the League side as an inaugural team as well. The coach said just have me play the first game, then wanted to build my confidence back up, then I got another run in there. It’s been more of a mental side for 2025 for me, but it’s been good.”
Q: You played mostly defence but got some stints in the middle, what was that experience like for you?
MC: “Yeah in the half-back position you get to watch the game a whole lot better, so moving up through the middle having a few shots on goal, opens up the space for other opportunities which is good.”
Q: Where do you see yourself playing this year?
MC: “I’d say off the half-back, hopefully. That’s my preferred position.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
MC: “Probably my kicking and having that little bit of composure when either the game’s not going your way or you’re trying to score.”
Q: What about some of the improvements you’re looking to make?
MC: “My overall fitness and just getting my body right. Wanting to get as prepared for the national champs as I can.”
Q: What’s it like been over the summer with the WA squad again now you’re one of the older ones? What did you take from last year to bring again this year?
MC: “Just the leadership side. I feel like we had a lot of girls that brought that, like you’re Olivia Crane, Maya (Louvel-Finn), Renee (Morgan), Evie Cowcher, those girls really took charge and that was something that I definitely want to aspire to be like so yeah, the leadership side of it.”
Q: What was it like getting the invite to the National Academy?
MC: “Yeah it was really good. Went to New Zealand for a camp and it was just good to get to know all the girls and see what the rest of Australia’s like really. But seeing all the different footy rules and how they play over there is cool too.”
Q: What AFLW club do you support?
MC: “West Coast Eagles.”
Q: Who’s a player you look up to?
MC: “Courtney Rowley.”
Q: How’s it been around Perth with a lot of experience coming into the lineup?
MC: “There’s been heaps of recruits, but I’m excited to learn off them. A lot of them are experience players. Like you have Evie Gooch and Kaitlyn Cox who is coming in as well which will be really eye-opening and to get to learn off them will be great. We’re pretty keen on the season and hopefully we make finals.”
Q: A new coach as well, how has it been with Steph Walding coming in?
MC: “Yeah she’s so good. She talks to you at the start and lets your know how she’s going to coach and then goes from there really. She offers lots of insight to the game as well obviously, being a premiership coach which is good.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?
MC: “Definitely want to get to the highest level and show my strengths, but just for this year just playing out the national champs and trying to put together a full season at Perth as well.”
