ESSENDON only took the minimum two selections in the 2025 AFL Women’s Draft, but got bang for its buck considering only one was in the top end of the draft. The Bombers scooped up a pair of best friends and Essendon childhood supporters, making it a feel-good all-round story.

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DRAFT HAUL

Pick 10. Maggie Johnstone
Pick 50. Nalu Brothwell

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

The Bombers needed some X-factor in the front half and they certainly got it in the form of Johnstone and Brothwell, who are thick as thieves and will enjoy running out alongside each other again as they did for Vic Country. Johnstone hails from the Warrnambool region, while Brothwell is from the Mornington Peninsula, but both linked up when playing for Country at the national carnival.

Johnstone will add some serious punch to the Bombers’ offence and replace that X-factor left by Paige Scott as one who is strong overhead and has a powerful right peg. She is difficult to beat one-on-one and can play through the midfield as well which only further helps her case as a dynamic, high-upside talent. She had interest across multiple clubs in that first round, but was picked up by the Bombers in the selection that had blown out to 10.

Brothwell also does her best work in the front half, and has some seriously exciting traits having improved enormously over the last 18 months. She provides a great contest in the air, can jump and is mobile as that slightly undersized but competitive forward. With ball in hand she is able to set up plays inside 50, and at Pick 50, she was terrific value considering she very easily could have gone in the second round.

GRADE: A

Essendon got two quality players with the selections on offer and will add some sizzle to the front half of the ground. They should play fairly early – particularly Johnstone – and continue the youth build under coach Nat Wood.