THE 2025 AFLW National Draft Combine kicks off today with the two kilometre time trial this afternoon at the AIA Centre. With up to 48 players taking part – though no doubt many with niggles or injuries will not – it gives AFLW clubs and recruiters an early glimpse into which players are among the better endurance athletes in the draft crop.

We take a look at some of the names to watch out for, should they test.

Marlo Graham (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)

The hard-running Knights vice-captain dominated over the preseason and though she has had her interruptions due to injury, if fit would be a front-runner from the National Draft Combine invitees. If her 2km time trial is anything similar to her yo-yo test, then she will be right there in the finish.

Sunny Lappin & Mikayla Nurse (Southport/Suns Academy/Queensland)

The Queensland MVP and three-club tied midfielder covers the ground like few others, and considering her improvements not only from last year to this year, but throughout 2025, expect her to make a ‘PB’. Nurse on the other hand is a known quantity, and her speed-endurance mix is one of her best strengths.

Mischa Barwin & Priya Bowering (Lauderdale/Tasmania Devils)

The two National Academy Devils have the capacity to really dig deep when it comes to endurance events, and they have tended to be around the same mark. Barwin took the chocolates last year in the yo-yo before Bowering won the battle in the preseason. A fascinating watch.

Kiera Yerbury (North Shore/Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)

Yerbury is another player who will be battling it out among the top few, with a high running capacity and the speed to go with her endurance. If she can stick with the front group and finish strong, she has the extra explosiveness that will help decide placings.

Lily Smart (Sturt/South Australia)

Unsurprisingly the athletics star who has competed at international events – winning silver in long jump – has some serious gut-running ability. Playing off a wing like a few on this list, she will not have a problem covering the distance and really quickly to potentially be the first South Australian home as she was in the preseason.

Maggie Johnstone (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)

Tested really well in the preseason and has only got better from there, Johnstone would have been among the top half dozen nationally for the yo-yo if only looking at the National Draft Combine invites. Should be another that will be in the top-end mix.

Mia Russo (West Perth/Western Australia)

The best of the West, Russo top-scored in the yo-yo from the National Draft Combine invitees in the preseason, and while she too has had her injury interruptions this year, has that explosiveness that can see her finish strong. Knows how to dig deep and always consistent in everything she does.

Asher Fearn-Wannan (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)

An all-round athlete, Fearn-Wannan will be among the best when combining all the athletic testing to come over the weekend. The Eastern Ranges wing has a big endurance tank and is another name to note down to be thereabouts in the finish.