BACK for another year, Rookie Me Central’s 24 to Watch in 2024 returns and this year, the focus is on underage players, being those who are yet to have an AFLW Draft chance. For the list of 2024, it will range between players who are predominantly 2006 (top-age) and 2007-born likely to take the WAFL Women’s by storm or set themselves up for the future.

Few players have made such an immediate impact in their debut WAFL Women’s season as Evie Cowcher, who looked like a 100-game veteran from day dot. The intercepting defender provided plenty of run for Peel Thunder last season, winning the Rising Star Award and earning All-Australian honours at the Under 18 Championships.

EVIE COWCHER PROFILE

DOB: 03/08/2007
Height: 174cm
Position: Tall Defender
Club: Peel Thunder

SUMMARY

Cowcher produced an impressive pre-league career through the Rogers Cup, becoming a consistent aerial presence and booming kick out of defence for the Thunder prior to 2023. It was evident she was League-ready for the WAFL Women’s by the time she was age-eligible, and found her way into Steve Markham’s Round 1 side.

Across the course of her 12 games, Cowcher averaged 19.9 disposals, 6.0 marks and 3.4 tackles, often making it look easy at times with the amount of intercepts and rebounds she could collect in a game. A 30-disposal performance in Round 12 against South Fremantle was accompanied by 12 marks, a feat she achieved again a fortnight later against Subiaco, while also having 26 touches.

After playing one game at Under 16s level, Cowcher was called up to the Under 18s squad and had the toughest possible encounter against top draft prospect Lauren Young. While eventually the more experienced Mackenzie Webb was moved onto Young after a fast start, Cowcher still played her role and found more freedom as the carnival went on.

Cowcher would finish as an All-Australian against players mostly two years her senior, which is boding well for the future. She is still two full seasons off being draft eligible, and given her performances at WAFL Women’s already, it will be exciting to see just how far she can develop in 2024.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #5 Mia Russo (West Perth)
>> #6 Renee Morgan (South Fremantle)
>> #7 Olivia Crane (Subiaco)
>> #8 Natasha Entwistle (East Fremantle)
>> #9 Noa McNaughton (South Fremantle)
>> #10 Olivia Wolmarans (Subiaco)
>> Taya Chambers (East Fremantle)
>> Carys D’Addario (Swan Districts)
>> Jorja Haines (Peel Thunder)
>> Megan Norbury (West Perth)
>> Juliet Kelly (Claremont)
>> Kaitlyn Roper (West Perth)
>> India Bonadeo (Claremont)
>> Tiani Teakle (East Fremantle)
>> Dakota Sexton (Peel Thunder)
>> Alira Fotu (South Fremantle)
>> Holly Britton (Peel Thunder)
>> Jasmine Bazeley (South Fremantle)
>> Sienna Gerardi (Swan Districts)
>> Grace Freeman (East Fremantle)