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.

It will come as no surprise to see Zippy Fish at the top of the WAFL Women’s players to watch for 2024. The East Fremantle speedster is a naturally gifted star who has elite athleticism to go with her outstanding skills and decision making.

ZIPPY FISH PROFILE

DOB: 24/05/2006
Height: 160cm
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Club: East Fremantle

SUMMARY

Though she is smaller than most top AFLW Draft prospects, Fish is the best outside player in the draft crop. Standing at 160cm, there is not much of Fish, but the East Fremantle star already announced herself not just at Under 16s or Under 18s level – where she was among the best across both competitions – but WAFL Women’s senior level too, where she was best on ground in the grand final last season.

Enjoying a senior flag in her second season in the grade, Fish averaged 15.1 disposals, 2.6 marks, 3.9 tackles and 2.7 inside 50s coming off half-back or a wing throughout the season. She did spend some time in the middle, but with a deep and strong on-ball group at the Sharks, Fish was instead given the opportunity to use her gifts of speed and skill on the outside.

Fish saved her best until last, picking up 26 disposals, three marks and seven tackles in the Sharks’ victory over Claremont last season, and that performance added another note to her ever-growing CV. With All-Australian honours as a bottom-ager, Fish averaged 16.7 disposals, 4.3 marks, 4.0 tackles and 6.0 inside 50s for the Sandgropers, and is a player who is incredible to watch once she has the ball in her hands.

She will take the game on and break the lines, but also have the rare ability to hit targets at top speed while lowering her eyes. The main improvement for Fish comes in her contested game, though it will be more of an extra string to her bow, as her skills and speed complement an outside role so much, or as the saying goes, you don’t park a Ferrari in the garage.

WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #2 Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle)
>> #3 Claudia Wright (Claremont)
>> #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)