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.

Robbed of a bottom-age year, Claremont talent Claudia Wright is just too good not to make the podium of this list. The tall utility can play as a half-back, half-forward or through the midfield with some outstanding athletic traits to go with her natural footballing ability.

CLAUDIA WRIGHT PROFILE

DOB: 30/10/2006
Height: 171cm
Position: Tall Utility
Club: Claremont

SUMMARY

Wright has not had a lot of luck over the past 18 months, missing out on Claremont’s 2022 WAFL Women’s flag, and missing the entirety of the 2023 season due to injury. Fortunately for the athletic tall, Wright did get back to play a game for the Sandgropers at the national carnival, and though a little rusty, still had 11 disposals, two marks, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s working up and down the ground.

Without any bottom-age form to go off other than her sole national carnival match, and her Under 17 Futures clash, Wright is one who enters 2024 with some intrigue and unknown around her game. Few could doubt her talent though, and as she showed throughout her bottom-age season, is more than capable of doing a lot of damage wherever she plays.

Wright can slot into half-back, half-forward, midfield or off a wing, with her athletic attributes allowing her to clunk big marks, or burst away with fantastic speed and agility. That being said, she uses the ball well too, able to hit targets by hand or foot and generally impacts games consistently. She is not a huge production player, but that is expected given the strength, talent and depth of the Tigers’ WAFLW side.

In 2024, it is hoped Wright will get a clean run at the season, and play as many games as possible. Currently out with a minor knee complaint, Wright is tipped to get back early in the season and show her wares. Her versatility, athleticism, natural footballing ability and upside make her a fantastic talent to watch.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #4 Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder)
>> #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)