Mel Anderson finally got some continuity into her game after missing her bottom-age season due to injury. Though she started in the SANFL Development League, Anderson earned her chance in South Adelaide's senior side from Round 5 and played the remainder of the season. There, Anderson averaged 8.3 disposals and kicked five goals, largely playing forward while rotating further afield.

A natural inside midfielder with great versatility, Anderson has a powerful burst, and has the smarts to get goalside. though not a huge accumulator, she impacts games with big moments, and averaged a goal per game from 6.7 disposals at the national carnival. While she might not jump off the stats sheet, Anderson is one of those players you have to watch to see exactly how she impacts games, and with limited preparation at the level prior to this year, the way she managed to hold her own at various levels was quite impressive.

Highly rated internally, Anderson was viewed as the next best South Australian outside the AFLW Draft Combine invites, and with further time to hone her craft without injury interruptions, she could become a handy player. She has the tools from an extraction element and an ability to win the ball in the air or at round level, and could even develop into a defensive forward at the next level if given the chance.

STRENGTHS:

- Power
- Versatility
- Strength
- Footy IQ
- Defensive pressure

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Four-quarter consistency
- Production