GLENELG forward Eloise Mackereth had a memorable bottom-age AFLW Under 18 Championships, earning All-Australian honours in a stacked South Australian forwardline, backing up her equivalent achievement at Under 16s level where she rotated between attack and the wing.

ELOISE MACKERETH PROFILE

DOB: 27/07/2007
Height: 173cm
Position: Tall Forward/Wing
Club: Glenelg

SUMMARY

Boasting one of the highest upsides in the AFLW Draft, Mackereth has some natural traits that few other players have in their arsenal. She is one of the top marking talls in this year’s AFLW Draft, and her goalkicking routine – aside from a slight blip early in national championships game one against the Allies – is as reliable as they come. She is a proven match-winner at SANFLW level and a figurehead in the Glenelg attack.

While Mackereth did spend time on a wing at Under 16s level, her last 12 months have squarely been inside 50 where on at least a couple of occasions, she has saved the day for Glenelg. Be it kicking a match-winning or equalling score, Mackereth is one player her teammates can rely on to go back and slot a set shot even with pressure on her shoulders. She is one who loves to celebrate as well, enjoying both her football and putting one through the big sticks.

The Glenelg goalkicker kicked 14 goals in 13 games for the Bays last season, before slotting six from three at the national championships for South Australia. Mackereth is a terrific mark – be it contested or off the lead, clunking six grabs per game for the tri-colours, and 1.7 per match from less opportunities at SANFLW level. Though she often has to compete against stronger opponents, Mackereth has the athleticism and smarts to immediately go for the ball at ground level even if it spills.

There is no shortage of tall marking forwards in this year’s AFLW Draft, with the National Academy spoilt for choice in that regard. Mackereth has the height and athleticism to play as that third tall however, which adds another element to her profile with the flexibility she offers inside 50.