ANOTHER season of SANFL Women’s action is just around the corner, and while the league year is a little later than usual, South Australian footy fans have the brand new AAMI Talent League to look forward to starting February 28. As has become an annual tradition for Rookie Me Central, we name our top juniors from the league to keep an eye on for the year ahead with the only criteria being either top-age or younger.

We continue our top 15 players to watch countdown – which will run over the three weeks to finish on the eve of the Talent League season – with the smooth-moving Norwood attacking defender/wing Charlee Brooksby.

Norwood Women's, South Australia GirlsDefender/Wing

Charlee Brooksby

Height: 171cm

Weight: -

DOB: 26-01-2008

Positional Analysis

Brooksby has made her name as a player teammates want to get the ball in the hands of when in transition. A naturally offensive player with flair, she has spent time off half-back and the wing, bearing similar traits to that of her sister, Port Adelaide’s Molly. Expect her to still roll off there, but potentially get further experience on the inside.

2025 Stats

SANFLW | 10.4 disposals | 1.8 marks | 3.8 tackles | 0.9 clearances | 1.9 inside 50s | 1.7 rebound 50s (11 games)

AFLW U18s | 11.5 disposals | 3.0 marks | 2.5 tackles | 2.0 clearances | 2.5 inside 50s (2 games)

Key Strengths

Much like her sister, Brooksby is a skilful player with terrific smarts and decision making ability. She is highly damaging when cruising out of the back half, and has that same natural dualsidedness which enables her to use either side of her body. Her best work is done as a run-and-gun half-back because she can receive the ball and take off, setting up scoring chains down the field.

2026

The main knock on Brooksby’s game comes in the form of her one-on-one defensive traits, because she is such a classy offensive player. She will still apply pressure and lay tackles, but is lighter compared to many opponents she will face at senior level. Watch for her to continue that development in her game, because with ball in hand, she is among the most damaging prospects. Given her sister’s pathway, Brooksby has a lot of traits where clubs will be able to draw comparisons, so is a name to keep in mind for 2026.

Summary

Charlee Brooksby complements a defence with her ability to receive and take the ball down the field, while also pushing up to a wing and running between the arcs. With further development to round out her game, Brooksby is one who will attract plenty of attention, and while injury did curtail her season in 2025, will no doubt pick up where she left off as a bottom-ager.