NEXT week the monthly AFLW Draft Power Rankings drop for the second time in 2023, with the list going out to 25 for July. Ahead of the release – which will be on Monday night at 8pm – we drop a few teasers of what could happen.

LAST MONTH

The last AFLW Draft Power Rankings dropped on June 5. It comprised of 20 players, all of whom were top-age players and featured players from across five of the of the six states. The Top 20 rankings can be found below.

>> AFLW DRAFT POWER RANKINGS: JUNE 2023

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE?

There has been plenty happening since the last Power Rankings dropped. The SANFL Women’s finals series concluded, the WAFL Women’s regular season finished, and the AFLW Academy took on the Under 23 All-Stars.

Those events, along with the ongoing competitions in the Coates Talent League Girls competition, QAFL Women’s and AFL Sydney have helped build cases for several players. Additionally, the South Australian Under 18s had a terrific exhibition against the SANFL Women’s Under 23 All-Stars.

WILL THERE BE MOVEMENT AT THE TOP?

At the very pointy end, no. The top four in particular have built up their reputation off sustained success and form, and are unlikely to move unless something incredibly significant happens. Therefore the combination of Lauren Young, Shineah Goody, Alyssia Pisano and Piper Window will likely hold sway in those positions.

Fifth spot is the interesting one as Brooke Barwick cannot improve her form given her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. As suggested last month, she might slip a little based on others form, but is a star so is unlikely to slide outside the Top 10 this year. Midfielder Laura Stone had a quiet AFLW Academy match but starred for Eastern Ranges on the weekend back in the midfield, while Molly Brooksby was sensational for the Academy, kicking at 90 per cent efficiency.

The last three spots in the Top 10 are always the greatest chance of movement, with Georgie Cleaver and Sienna McMullen a couple outside that bracket who played well the last couple of weeks. The ongoing wrist injury to Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner and repeat injury interruptions to Lila Keck have made it tricky for them to move too much.

WHICH PLAYERS MIGHT COME IN?

Last month it was highlighted that South Fremantle mature-ager Charli Wicksteed was close to the Top 20 and would have come into the rankings for this month, but was picked up by Richmond during the week and is off the board.

One player who did her chances no harm was Brisbane Lions Academy winger Sophie Peters who was ultra-impressive for the AFLW Academy. Having been ranked in the 20-30 area last month, expect her to be right in the mix for the rankings.

Another couple who were on the fringe last month and have maintained their form are Calder Cannons’ Sarah Grunden and GWV Rebels’ Lily Jordan. Both showed promising signs for the Under 23 All-Stars, while Grunden was among the best in Calder’s loss to Eastern on the weekend.

Another couple of players who are in the mix are Geelong Falcons skipper Chloe Adams and GWS GIANTS Academy Mel Staunton. Adams’ form for the Under 23 All-Stars stacked up against the best, while Staunton won the Academy Most Valuable Player award.

ARE THERE MATURE-AGERS IN THE MIX?

With Wicksteed now off the board, the next highest ranked previously overlooked prospect is Brooke Smith. Winning the MVP for the Under 23 All-Stars against the Academy, the Dandenong Stingrays utility is a name to keep in mind as not only an AFLW draft prospect but a potential injury replacement player for a club seeking someone who could slot into any role on the field.