TWO AFL Women’s Under 16 Championship clashes took place last week, with the up-and-coming talent in both NSW-ACT and South Australia taking to the field. For the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS Academy players, it was their first outing from two clashes, while for the South Australians, the 2006 and 2007-born talents wrapped up their two-game series. In this article we take a look at the battle between the Swans and GIANTS and some of the top performers.

NSW-ACT:

In the battle between the Swans and the GIANTS, it was the side from the Harbour City that took home the chocolates, coming from behind at half-time to post a 17-point win. Sydney lead by seven points at quarter time, but failed to score in the second term as the visitors took a seven-point half-time lead at North Sydney Oval. Stepping up in the second half, the Swans roared to life to slam home 5.2 to 1.0 in the third term to blow the margin out to a 19-point buffer, which proved enough, despite the GIANTS closing the gap to 15 points, 11 minutes into the final term. When all was said and done, the home team emerged victorious, 9.6 (60) to 6.7 (43).

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY:

Bottom-age prospect Olivia Morris is one to keep an eye on next year, looming as one of the most talented NSW-ACT prospects for the 2023 AFL Women’s Draft. Morris picked up 23 disposals, three tackles, six clearances and booted a goal to be best-on for the red and white, winning the bulk of her disposals at the coalface, and also spreading well to be both a first and second possession winner. Another bottom-age talent who looked the goods up forward was Serina Baukes, who is a medium-tall (170cm) and slotted three goals from 11 disposals – all kicks – three marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s.

Also providing some terrific skill going forward was Lily Hill, who kicked at a 70 per cent efficiency, despite winning half of her possessions in a contest. The important link-up player is a 2006-born talent out of footy factory, Southern Power. Marnie Robinson, another 2005-born midfielder is a 172cm inside player who racked up five clearances – the second most behind Morris, while also managing 13 touches, five tackles and two inside 50s. Robinson won a massive 11 of her 13 touches in a contest. Of the talls, 176cm Kendra Blattman recorded 11 disposals, two marks, three tackles, 12 hitouts, our clearances and five inside 50s as an undersized ruck.

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY:

Though the GIANTS did go down the loss, it was hard not to be impressed by Murray Bushrangers prospect, Ellie Hall. The Bushrangers midfielder averaged 14.6 disposals, 2.2 marks, 2.2 inside 50s and 6.2 tackles including the Repechage game for a total of five matches, increasing her producing with each outing. The Academy member predominantly did her best work in the back half against the Swans though, amassing 10 rebound 50s from 26 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and three clearances. An eye-catching 2006-born talent to remember for 2024. Bridget Corcoran (15 disposals, four marks, three clearances and seven rebound 50s) also worked hard in defence, with Charlotte Canavan (16 disposals, four rebound 50s) also busy.

Hannah Kearney took control in the ruck, battling against two opponents to finish the standout in terms of hitouts with 18, as well as 12 disposals, three marks, six tackles and four inside 50s. Freyja Bacskai-Russo (19 disposals, six tackles, two clearances and six inside 50s) and Tamika Rourke (19 disposals, five tackles, five clearances and three inside 50s) were also standouts for the GIANTS. Jerrah Caruso was the sole multiple goalkicker for the orange and charcoal, slotting two majors from 11 disposals and two marks.

Sydney Swans Academy and GWS GIANTS Academy Under 16s will clash again on Sunday, June 26 back at North Sydney Oval.