TOWERING South Australian Taya Maxwell is one of the top AFLW Draft prospects in this year’s crop, and the South Adelaide utility is on the verge of going to another level in 2026. Despite an ankle injury curtailing her bottom-age campaign, the 2024 SANFLW premiership player is ready to make her mark in 2026.

We spoke to Maxwell at the South Australian Preseason Testing event about her football journey, her success at a young age, playing a hybrid role at the Panthers, and goals for the year ahead.

Q: Taya, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?

TM: “I started in 2021 as a first year Under 14 because my brother had played a lot of footy. Started then and just worked my way up through at Reynella. Then got the chance to go up to South Development squads and then took that and have been at South in the women’s squad for the past three years.”

Q: Playing in a premiership in 2024, what was that like?

TM: “That was amazing. Coming in after they had lost in 2023, there was a lot about redemption and coming into that environment I think helped a lot. A really driven team all aiming for the same thing, and then to get that success at the end of the year was massive and definitely celebrated a lot because that was a huge one for the club.

Q: Last year didn’t end the way you wanted with the injury. What was it like dealing with that?

TM: “That was definitely challenging but being involved with the group made me feel so welcomed and supported through that time, and there were a few others that had missed out like Shae Archbold and Carly Milsom, so to have them in my corner as well we could support each other threw that. To see the team success, it was super good to see.”

Q: What injury do you have at the moment?

TM: “I’ve got a new injury. Last Wednesday (early February) at training I went to smother the ball and tore my meniscus. We’ll see how that plays out in the next few weeks.”

Q: What’s your preferred position?

TM: “I love playing inside mid, I think that’s definitely a different sort of role for me and I really love that. But obviously at the next level that’s not going to happen straight away, but I think ruck and forward are also great. I don’t really care as long as I get a game and can help the team in my own way and play my role.”

Q: What was it like playing that ruck/mid mix with Soriah Moon who’s got that experience?

TM: “It was so good. Having ‘Riah’ tapping to me and being in the mid together with Riah, she’s so competitive and even training against her, it’s so good to learn off her. To be able to play both of those roles in one game is definitely super exciting and I love that.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

TM: “Definitely my ruck work and contested marking, but then also groundballs and handballs as well.”

Q: What about some of the improvements?

TM: “I think endurance wise and I can be more explosive out of the contest as well which will definitely take my game to the next level.”

Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?

TM: “I’d say Bek (McMahon) and Robbie (Neill) have helped a lot, but recently probably Rick (Watts). He’s been massive and a really good support for me, and to learn off him has been great.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

TM: “I go for Carlton. I love them.”

Q: Is there a reason for that?

TM: “Well I’ve gone for Carlton in the men my whole life so I just went over, and they play a super exciting brand of footy, so I love to watch that.”

Q: Is there a player at the top level you model your game on?

TM: “I’d say a mix of Matilda Scholz with her ruck and her ability to push forward with her contested marks. But also Montana Ham as well, that tall midfielder who is good on the ground as well.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?

TM: “To obviously not be injured was the main one, but just to look after my body and put a really strong season on the track to give myself the best possible chance to get drafted.”

Q: Finally with South, how are you feeling about the club this year?

TM: “Our team hasn’t change a whole lot so it’s super exciting to see what we’re able to do again. Hopefully three-peat would be nice to be involved in, but a long way from that, so hopefully just keep building.”