GIPPSLAND Power always have some exciting players and it came down to whether or not everything could click on the day, with some hard-fought wins as well as devastating losses in season 2026. At the end of the day, the Power have two leading AFLW Draft prospects, as well as some others that staked their claim as potential elite level players over the coming years.

SEASON 2026

SNAPSHOT

Played: 14
Won: 4
Lost: 9
Drawn: 1

BEST PERFORMANCE

Round 21: def. Northern Knights by 35 points

Even an inaccurate display of 10.18 could not stop Gippsland Power storming to a huge win over Northern Knights in front of home fans to close out the season. Leading by 26 points at the final change, the Power kicked 1.10 to 1.1 in the fourth term which meant the margin ultimately could have even been larger, but it was a fantastic way to finish at Morwell. Lily Milner (27 disposals, six marks and a goal) did her thing, while Olivia Holmes continued a remarkable bottom-age year with 29 disposals. Grace Dillow, Mia Smith-Clark and Milly Hoghton all slotted two goal in the win.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE

Lily Milner (Traralgon)
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 25/01/2008

Stats [12 games]: 21.5 disposals, 2.5 marks, 6.5 tackles, 5.5 clearances, 4.4 inside 50s, 2.5 rebound 50s, 7 goals

What a season it has been from Milner who was arguably deserving of Vic Country honours as a bottom-ager, but had to wait until her top-age season to don the ‘Big V’ where she certainly made her presence felt. Predominantly rolling through the midfield, Milner was still able to spend time forward and hit the scoreboard, becoming a serious offensive threat and natural leader both in her voice and actions. One who looms as that potential second round selection.

STATE DRAFT COMBINE

Grace Dillow (Woodside)
Forward/Midfielder | 164cm | 03/06/2008

Stats [11 games]: 18.4 disposals, 2.1 marks, 4.0 tackles, 3.3 clearances, 2.2 inside 50s, 0.8 rebound 50s, 9 goals

A somewhat disrupted year from Dillow saw the talented ball-winner having to make up for lost time in the second half of the season, and she did well, really honing in on that forward spot as a secondary role, to the point it became her number one position at times. She still showed her midfield class when rotated in there, and she has put herself in a good position heading into the draft combines given her natural footy IQ and ability to play both roles well.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Following a breakout debut season at the Power, Olivia Holmes would have shot up draft boards as she seemingly got better and better. Earning a spot with Vic Country, Holmes is a natural midfielder but can play forward – akin to the two above – and has some serious speed to go with her power. She can hit the scoreboard, but her movement and stoppage craft standout, ticking a lot of boxes and with further development she’s set for a massive 2027.

Riding shotgun to Holmes is fellow bottom-ager Brooke Kelly, a powerful left-footer who is in her second Talent League Girls season at the club. She can play across all three lines, but has largely settled into defence where she can run-and-gun down the field. Has some execution areas to polish up, but is developing into a nice prospect.

You can add in the likes of Jessica Grimsted, Elizabeth Sowden and Hannah Fitzgerald into the watch basket for next season, with Grimsted coming off her Under 16s campaign in 2025 as one of the most eye-catching players, while both Sowden and Fitzgerald impressed this season for the Power in a couple of different roles.

Gippsland’s 2010-born crop looks exciting as well with Taylah Mizzi leading the charge out of defence, off a wing or can be plonked forward. She played nine games in her debut year coming off the Under 16s Development Championships. Zaria Dalton (six games) and Neave Cunningham (five) gave Power fans something to look forward to as other double bottom-agers with upside.