2026 AFLW Draft Power Rankings: August

WITHOUT a doubt the AFL Women’s Draft crop of 2026 is the most difficult to rank. Not because there isn’t talent, but more so because of the depth of talent where it will become largely preferential between the 18 clubs picking on draft night. From the contentious first selection – where there are a few options to choose from – to the well-balanced top 10 and then a wide variety of potential first and second rounders that could stretch beyond 50 players, the 2026 draft crop will have something for everybody.

 

Note: This is not indicative of any team preferences or official rankings, but purely the opinion of the author.

The Power Rankings
  • #1
    Bailee Martin
    Oakleigh Chargers | Tall Forward

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 03-09-2008

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 03-09-2008

    GOALKICKING MACHINE

    If you were picking a team from scratch from the 2026 AFLW Draft class, Martin is certainly one of – if not – the first name to be pencilled in. An athletic tall forward who can dominate in the air, has some nice speed on the lead, and kicks stacks and stacks of goals. Had it not been for a combination of injury and resting last season, Martin would have kicked half a ton in the Talent League Girls, which is saying something. Bags of half a dozen or more goals are common for the Oakleigh Chargers star, and while her top-age season has had its interruptions, she earned another All-Australian honour off the back of 12 goals across three games including a seven-goal haul against Vic Country for the second year in a row.

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  • #2
    Emma Charlton
    South Adelaide | Midfielder

    height: 160cm

    D.O.B: 19-06-2008

    height: 160cm

    D.O.B: 19-06-2008

    THE COMPLETE PLAYER

    All eyes were on Adelaide as the Crows grabbed a potential top five pick in last year’s AFLW Trade Period, and it’s fair to say that the sister of Teah would have to be high up on their wishlist. Charlton is that star you can lock in for however many hundreds of games, as the South Adelaide midfielder is what has quintessentially become known from the boys’ draft as the ‘200-game player’. She does it all offensively and defensively, is a massive big game star winning the Croweaters’ MVP as a bottom-ager, earning All-Australian honours and also best on ground in the SANFLW Grand Final despite her age and size. She’s not big, but Charlton has enormous heart, and with her skills, smarts and defensive pressure, she ticks just about every box. All-Australian honours again for the star South Australian midfielder.

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  • #3
    Cara Dziegielewski
    West Perth | Ruck

    height: 181cm

    D.O.B: 19-04-2008

    height: 181cm

    D.O.B: 19-04-2008

    MODERN RUCK

    Boasting back-to-back All-Australian honours, the ultra-athletic Dziegielewski lived up to all the hype of her bottom-age campaign. She was crucial for West Perth and then the Sandgropers, and can impact around the ground with midfielder-numbers, while going forward and hitting the scoreboard. No doubt West Coast would love to be in the ball park for her, with the tall’s ground level work very good for her size. Has a high level of competitiveness and most importantly, uses the ball well when she has it, which is a lovely point of difference compared to most rucks. Already senior experienced with the Falcons, Dziegielewski would be in pick one contention if the club holding it requires a ruck.

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  • #4
    Emily Mableson
    West Adelaide | Medium Defender

    height: 170cm

    D.O.B: 05-05-2008

    height: 170cm

    D.O.B: 05-05-2008

    SMOOTH OPERATOR

    Impossible to look past Mableson’s sensational season both with West Adelaide and then South Australia. Having completed the double of the MVPs at Under 16s and Under 18s level, the smooth-mover is an elite ball user who can be tough on the inside as she is classy on the outside. A plug-and-play talent who is readymade for the top level, works hard and will be one who teammates look to get the ball in the hands of. Mableson can play off half-back and through the midfield, the Bloods prospect has justified her top five aspirations with a top-age season to follow-on from her bottom-age campaign.

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  • #5
    Taya Maxwell
    South Adelaide | Ruck

    height: 184cm

    D.O.B: 02-12-2008

    height: 184cm

    D.O.B: 02-12-2008

    BUILD A STAR

    Maxwell is the one you take on pure potential. Picture creating your own player. Say 184cm, strong but still mobile, able to play forward, back, ruck or midfield, ie. the perfect utility. Then you start to get greedy and want them to be a penetrating kick on both sides of their body, not just that, but a lovely ball user. Impossible? You’d think so, but that’s exactly what Maxwell offers. She is potentially the most unique ‘unicorn’ to come through the pathways, and if you’re picking on traits and upside, it’s hard to deny she could be number one. The talented tall made her return for the last fortnight in SANFLW, and while still a little underdone, showed promising signs. Some might be worried about the lack of exposure and durability, but at her best she’s a pick one contender.

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  • #6
    Ava Bilyk
    Geelong Falcons | Utility

    height: 169cm

    D.O.B: 07-07-2008

    height: 169cm

    D.O.B: 07-07-2008

    BRILLIANT BILYK

    Bilyk, like Mableson, completed the MVP double by taking out Vic Country’s Under 18s award which followed on from her Under 16s effort two years prior. The Geelong Falcons skipper went to a whole new level in 2026, not only earning her state’s top gong, but earning All-Australian honours with the overall carnival MVP. As well balanced as any other player in the draft crop, Bilyk just does everything right, and her work between the inside and outside, offensively and defensively is sublime. Her consistency coming back from an injury interrupted year has been sensational, and the top 10 talent continues to make her National Academy omission even wilder.

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  • #7
    Majella Day
    GIANTS Academy | Tall Forward

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 11-03-2008

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 11-03-2008

    GIANT HAUL

    GWS Giants have been crying out at AFLW level for some support inside 50, trialling plenty of players through the tall forward role over the last few years. Their answer is waiting in the 2026 AFLW Draft, with Day being a strong aerial player and very smart forward. She remains active at all times, and if there was a stat on goalline marks from set shots falling short, the Giants Academy member would likely be top of that list. She’s played in defence on occasions, but Day is a natural forward who causes all sorts of problems once the ball is in her area and kicked some ridiculous goals over her junior career. Has areas to improve in her consistency, but when she is firing is near-unstoppable.

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  • #8
    Molly Ferguson
    Lions Academy | Midfielder

    height: 161cm

    D.O.B: 20-04-2008

    height: 161cm

    D.O.B: 20-04-2008

    UNDERRATED STAR

    There were more than a few eyebrows raised and heads scratched when Ferguson missed out on the National Academy. The Maroochydore product and Lions Academy member is a genuine first-round talent and though she had her injury interruptions to finish 2025, was always going to respond in 2026. She’s had some mammoth games this year including a 40-disposal performance, and is the class and toughness around the ball. Ferguson is a well-rounded prospect who starred through the National Championships, earning All-Australian honours and Queensland’s MVP. Another plug-and-play readymade talent who has done the hard yards and will be ready for senior level.

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  • #9
    Brylee Anderson
    Eastern Ranges | Utility

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 25-03-2008

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 25-03-2008

    WELL-BALANCED UTILITY

    Despite an injury-interrupted season at different points for short stints, Anderson showed on the weekend she is one of the most readymade prospects in this year’s AFLW Draft. The National Academy member racked up 30 disposals and nine clearances against Oakleigh in a big win, while also kicking two goals. The younger sister of Hawks-listed Cody, Brylee has shown she just does everything across the board right. Similar to Charlton, her mix of offensive and defensive traits are great, she won the Vic Metro Under 16s MVP a couple of years back and has already represented the ‘Big V’ as a bottom-ager. Able to play back, forward or in her more predominant on-ball role, Anderson can crash and bash through the stoppage, and also be the one to clear long withe a booming kick. Doesn’t have one standout trait, but is rather incredible across the board and the gap between her best and worst is slim such is her consistency.

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  • #10
    Charlotte Tidemann
    Swans Academy | Defender

    height: 169cm

    D.O.B: 08-08-2008

    height: 169cm

    D.O.B: 08-08-2008

    RUN-AND-GUN

    The first of many Swans Academy prospects in and around the top 30, Tidemann is similar to Mableson in the way that she demands the ball and teammates love to get it in her hands. Capable of playing inside or off a wing, the North Shore product – where she won a senior flag last season under coach and dad Craig – has settled well as a half-back because of her ability to read the game well, cut inside or burst away via quick hands and look for the one-two to break lines and opposition defensive zones. She is a natural ball-winner and complements more contested players well, because though she can win her own ball, Tidemann is suited to an outside game where she can punish opponents with her run and disposal. Won the MVP for the National Academy against the All-Stars and earned All-Australian honours at the national carnival playing for the Allies.

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  • #11
    Mia Geere
    Lions Academy | Midfielder

    height: 171cm

    D.O.B: 08-04-2008

    height: 171cm

    D.O.B: 08-04-2008

    DIFFERENT GEERE

    When Geere made her QAFLW debut a few years back, it was not hard to predict she was going to be amongst the top-end of the 2026 AFLW Draft class. A damaging ball user who can play in any position and is incredibly strong overhead, Geere knows how to influence games. An early injury in the first term of the National Academy contest against the Allies ended the Queenslander’s national championships campaign before it got going. It won’t affect her draft chances though, she’s right at the top of a really competitive Lions Academy group and is the first of up to half a dozen prospects in the top 20 or so. A star in the making whatever position she ends up playing.

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  • #12
    Frances Walsh
    Swans Academy | Wing

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 30-01-2008

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 30-01-2008

    SPECIALIST WING

    Walsh is the second Swans Academy member on this list, and both she and Tidemann provide similar impact, but in different ways. While the latter is best known for her full-blown offensive drive, Walsh is more well-rounded from an offensive-defensive standpoint even though she has spent the bulk of her time off a wing. The Sydney Uni prospect – who lost to Tidemann’s Bombers in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Grand Final last year – won the All Stars’ MVP against the National Academy (where Tidemann won best-on for the opposition). There’s not too much to fault in her game, she runs hard, has a nice mix of speed and especially endurance, and sees the game early to distribute effectively. Her defensive pressure and contest-to-contest work is great, and she has shown she can hit the scoreboard as well. Another player whose floor is higher than most, simply because she brings the required non-negotiables each and every match. Has risen plenty in the past 12 months and earned All-Australian honours to further her rise up draft boards.

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  • #13
    Zoe Curry
    GIANTS Academy | Midfielder-Forward

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 09-10-2008

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 09-10-2008

    PHYSICALITY PERSONIFIED

    Curry is one of the most physically ready players in the AFLW Draft crop. While not explosive as such, she is powerful which helps her break tackles through strength. One of the most penetrating kicks in the draft crop, it is not an understatement to say her right leg can launch a ball more than 50 metres, and her strength both overhead and at ground level is fantastic. Her leadership is another great quality, and had it not been for injury that has unfortunately kept her out of recent matches, she no doubt would have been higher. Has had injury interruptions this season and is currently on the sidelines, but showed more than enough from three games at the national carnival with the Allies to earn All-Australian honours.

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  • #14
    Miyu Endersby
    Central District | Key Position Utility

    height: 179cm

    D.O.B: 01-06-2008

    height: 179cm

    D.O.B: 01-06-2008

    ENORMOUS UPSIDE

    Endersby is easily able to draw comparisons to now West Coast player, Charlotte Riggs. Capable of holding down a key position spot across all three lines like Riggs, Endersby hails from the same SANFLW club in Central District. She is a more potent kick than her predecessor, and while her consistency can waver a little, when she is up and about she is very hard to quell. Her best work is done as an intercepting half-back, but spent the bulk of her time through the ruck at the national carnival. When she can read the ball in flight, intercept and then hit a target 45m down the field, Endersby is at her most damaging. Strong overhead and boasting a ridiculous leap, she can really dictate play with her centre bounce work. Has the smarts to drop back into the hole and take numerous intercept marks as well.

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  • #15
    Aiyana Pritchard
    Lions Academy | Tall Forward

    height: 175cm

    D.O.B: 21-12-2008

    height: 175cm

    D.O.B: 21-12-2008

    LIMITLESS CEILING

    When Pritchard burst onto the representative scene for the Lions and Queensland last year, there was no shortage of highlights. Her natural athletic gifts – having been a promising athlete growing up – were evident, but so was her knack for playing on instinct. She didn’t always pick the most logical choice when it came to decision making, but you could see what she had conjured up. It was just the consistency within games and consistency with her fundamentals that still had a way to go. In 2026, that has changed, with both areas having improved significantly, and she is now not only that project tall forward, but a player who can push up and run off a wing to great effect. Her speed-endurance mix stands out, and with a high leap she can usually either win or neutralise a contest. Can still build on her kicking at speed, but all the traits are there to be an ultra-exciting player for likely the Lions going forward.

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  • #16
    Mia Carlshausen
    Perth | Defender

    height: 171cm

    D.O.B: 10-04-2008

    height: 171cm

    D.O.B: 10-04-2008

    CLASSY CARLSHAUSEN

    Carlshausen really lifted her draft stocks in her top-age season, impressing through the national carnival to win All-Australian honours, and then even go forward late in the WAFLW season for Perth to hit the scoreboard. Her kicking skills are sublime, she generally makes good decisions with ball in hand, knowing when to go and when to slow it down. What stands out as a point of difference is her aerial strength, where at 171cm, she can take some really strong grabs even under pressure. Though she has played further afield at different points – between midfield and wing – she has honed in on that defensive role where she is often tasked with the kickouts or being the next player in the chain to distribute from the back half of the ground. Another prospect who teammates love to get the ball in the hands of in transition, Carlshausen is ultra-damaging and her smarts and skill stand out on the big stage.

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  • #17
    Scout Semple
    Eastern Ranges | Midfielder-Forward

    height: 162cm

    D.O.B: 03-10-2008

    height: 162cm

    D.O.B: 03-10-2008

    BIG GAME PLAYER

    The two-way power and skill that Semple provides is what makes her the player she is. While others have had greater four-quarter impact, Semple is the type of player who can win a game off her own boot in a short space of time. Having started as a forward for the Eastern Ranges, she worked into the midfield role and has split between the two ever since. Strong overhead and at ground level, boasting a powerful burst out of the contest and an ability to use both sides of her body, Semple has the full package when it comes to her athletic and footballing smarts. She won the MVP for the AFLW Academy in the high-performance program’s big win over Carlton VFLW earlier this year, and continues to just have those ‘moments’ which catch the eye. A player who with 15 disposals could kick three goals and just rip the game from an opposition’s grasp. More to come from her, but what she offers from a modern footballing perspective ticks all the boxes.

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  • #18
    Grace McIntyre
    Sandringham Dragons | Utility

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 31-12-2008

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 31-12-2008

    DRAFT BOLTER

    McIntyre is the first new face inside our AFLW Draft Power Rankings, and has been steadily rising up draft boards this season. Her rise started with an inclusion to the AFLW Academy side against the All-Stars, and has since performed well for both Vic Metro and Sandringham Dragons, finishing her year with a bang on the weekend against Dandenong Stingrays. McIntyre is a modern prototype wing, with her height and aerial strength complimenting her athletic traits and defensive pressure. Essentially, the Dragons prospect who is born on the last day of the year, has just about everything going for her. Continuing to refine her kicking as the last part of her game, McIntyre will no doubt have suitors within the first round.

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  • #19
    Harlee McIlwain
    Lions Academy | Tall Forward

    height: 174cm

    D.O.B: 07-04-2008

    height: 174cm

    D.O.B: 07-04-2008

    TWO-WAY TALL

    McIlwain is yet another tall forward in the top 20 and the second from the Lions Academy after Pritchard with both players complementing each other well. Breaking onto the scene with a ridiculous 10-goal haul at the Under 16s Championships against the Suns Academy, McIlwain is capable of hurting teams on the scoreboard. For the National Academy she booted three goals – albeit all in the second half after a one-touch first half – but such is the life of a tall forward. When she is at her best, she is flying for the mark then following up at ground level. Her point of difference compared to a lot of others is in her defensive pressure. She can clunk a great contested mark and is a deadeye kick for goal, but she is just as dangerous once the ball hits the deck. Coaches love talls who tackle, and that is McIlwain who will regularly pick up half a dozen or more tackles. If she continues to build on that four-quarter consistency, watch out.

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  • #20
    Aurelia Russell
    Swans Academy | Midfielder-Forward

    height: 160cm

    D.O.B: 03-12-2008

    height: 160cm

    D.O.B: 03-12-2008

    RARA ROUGHIE

    Everyone loves a unique story, and ‘Rara’ Russell might have the best one of the draft crop. Hailing from the Hunter Central Coast, Russell is a name that anyone from the region knows. She has won multiple best and fairests and tears games apart. Stepping up to the Swans Academy, she produced some jaw-dropping performances earlier this year, and honestly on traits alone should be a first-round lock. Her size – at 160cm – is always going to be questioned for a high pick, but just completely forget about it because when the ball is in her hands, good things happen. Her lateral movement can ankle-break opponents, she’s slick through traffic and then hits teammate lace out with only a split second view. She gets forward and hits the scoreboard with reliable consistency, and just oozes class. Importantly, was not overawed stepping up for the Allies, winning All-Australian honours with a terrific national carnival. A bonafide star and another Swans Academy young gun.

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  • #21
    Emily Rankin
    Eastern Ranges | Midfielder-Forward

    height: 166cm

    D.O.B: 11-05-2008

    height: 166cm

    D.O.B: 11-05-2008

    CONSISTENCY WITH A CAPITAL ‘C’

    Eastern Ranges skipper Rankin leads by example and hardly ever plays a bad game. She was one who was a touch unlucky to miss out on the National Academy, but has put that behind her to produce some starring performances in 2026. A natural inside ball-winner, Rankin is ultra-clean with her hands, neat with her skills and has some untapped potential with a 3.165 20-metre sprint time suggestion she can have even more impact out of a stoppage when not doing the team thing with a feeding handball. She can go forward and hit the scoreboard – of late usually multiple times – being a key contributor both on the inside and outside. Just a good all-round player who added her name to the list of All-Australians, and whose floor is exceptionally high.

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  • #22
    Morgan Stevens
    GIANTS Academy | Tall Defender

    height: 177cm

    D.O.B: 13-08-2008

    height: 177cm

    D.O.B: 13-08-2008

    ATHLETIC STAR

    There’s no other way to describe Stevens’ freakish athletic abilities, with the Giants Academy member breaking the vertical jump records in preseason, and starring in both the 20m sprint and agility test. As a lockdown defender, sometimes her athletic gifts felt a little wasted, but in 2026, she has spent time on a wing – and even as an undersized ruck – but when in her predominant defensive role, has been more aggressive with her running, and provided greater impact offensively. She is a lovely ball user, with a penetrating kick that can hit targets long down the line or cutting into the middle, and time and time again she will proactively come out to meet the ball, not break stride and then thump it long inside 50. Strong overhead, accountable defensively thanks to her development over the years, and now able to hurt her opponents the other way, Stevens is not necessarily a massive accumulator, but her ‘moments’ that she has make a world of difference, and you know exactly what you’re going to get from the tall, who is the first ACT prospect in our rankings.

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  • #23
    Greea McKeegan
    Geelong Falcons | Forward/Wing

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 15-12-2008

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 15-12-2008

    PROMISING TALL

    McKeegan has been in ripping form to end the regular Talent League Girls season and remains one who could be snaffled early based on upside. Having played as a tall forward and wing, the 176cm December-born Falcon has the scope to explode over the next 12-18 months. A member of the National Academy, McKeegan is terrific in the air and her long, penetrating kicks can influence a game. While like many talls she can be rough around the edges at times, her experience moving on-ball showed she is capable of playing in there and using her size to advantage. Has the potential to play off a wing and kick a couple of goals a game, and her running capacity and overall athleticism are big ticks. She was pretty handy for Vic Country in the first-up loss to the Allies on the weekend, and she has the potential to be a nightmare for opponents given her leap and subsequent ball use once it’s in her hands.

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  • #24
    Lexi Strachan
    West Perth | Midfielder

    height: 168cm

    D.O.B: 30-09-2008

    height: 168cm

    D.O.B: 30-09-2008

    POWER PUNCH

    While Strachan might have slid somewhat, it is not necessarily what she has done, but rather what others have been able to do. The second West Perth player in the rankings, Strachan is a very different player to her close friend, Dziegielewski. More of a powerful inside midfielder who has a fast first few steps out of the contest, the contested prospect has also played forward and off a wing such is both her strength overhead and repeat contest work. She has a booming right boot that has kicked a number of long-range goals, while also being clean on the inside and able to weight long handballs to extract from the contest to a free number on the outside. After a quiet first-up performance at the national carnival, Strachan finished strongly to be among the top few West Australians.

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  • #25
    Zoe Petrides
    Lions Academy | Forward-Midfielder

    height: 165cm

    D.O.B: 28-09-2008

    height: 165cm

    D.O.B: 28-09-2008

    PANTHER PRIDE

    Petrides is similar to Strachan in the sense that she’s had a really solid season, just others have risen up. For a player of her size – 165cm – Petrides is ultra competitive overhead and can clunk some great marks. She times her leaps, and even if she doesn’t mark it, is quick on the scene at ground level. As she has spent more time further afield, fans can appreciate how good her field kicking, combined with her vision actually is. She can be that distributor in a high half-forward role, but also be the player who crumbs at ground level, and ticks the defensive pressure box as well. Similar to McIlwain, she really does it all from an offensive-defensive standpoint, and is just a really neat player with tricks and an ability to contribute in multiple ways. Has some nice upside and finished well with Morningside in their run to the semi-final.

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  • #26
    Maddison Meagher
    Northern Knights | Wing

    height: 164cm

    D.O.B: 02-08-2008

    height: 164cm

    D.O.B: 02-08-2008

    NEED FOR SPEED

    Explosive. That is the one word to describe Northern Knights’ Meagher who quite honestly has that ‘next level’ speed. She is one of those players who you watch and think has hit top gear, and just as someone is about to catch her, she throws it into another gear and explodes away. That ability to dig deep and increase her speed when already seemingly at top speed is incredible, but it is what has underpinned her game. In the past, Meagher has been a lower-volume, but higher-impact player. She might only have between 10-15 touches, but her metres gained are off the charts, and her defensive pressure – much like her line-breaking – is what underpins her game. Her kicking has been a point of conjecture, but that is one element that has most notably improved in 2026, and she is reaping the rewards. Has got better and better for the Northern Knights this season, and had a number of promising performances for Vic Metro as well.

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  • #27
    Ruby Lynch
    Woodville-West Torrens | Tall Utility

    height: 181cm

    D.O.B: 14-11-2008

    height: 181cm

    D.O.B: 14-11-2008

    ATHLETIC UNICORN

    Lynch is one of those players who has had such an eye-catching season in a variety of roles, it is impossible to leave her out of these rankings. Having spent time on-ball or in the ruck, up forward or down back, there are not many positions she has not accomplished. A booming left-foot kick, she is very good at raising her arms free in tackles, and boasting a fast few quick steps, Lynch provides her side’s with valuable metres gained. On upside, Lynch is easily a top 20 talent, and has been a key cog for Woodville-West Torrens. Her two goals in a quarter for South Australia when thrown forward against Vic Metro was crucial in the Croweaters’ winning the title. Set to be a valuable player in the Eagles’ premiership aspirations for the SANFLW Grand Final this weekend.

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  • #28
    Alli Allen
    Northern Knights | Defender

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 15-10-2008

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 15-10-2008

    COURAGEOUS DEFENDER

    Boasting a season hard to knock, the Vic Metro MVP could just as easily push into top 20 contention. Tough as nails and competitive as anyone else out there, she tackles with vigour and bleeds for whatever jumper she wears. While predominantly a defender, Allen has spent time further afield for the Northern Knights, and is strong in the air with neat skills that compliment her toughness. An old-fashioned footballer of sorts, Allen has a well-rounded athletic base, and her footballing acumen consistency has risen in 2026. Can iron out some aspects of her game, but as a whole has really thrown herself into the top half draft conversation with the national carnival off three games that also included All-Australian honours.

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  • #29
    Polly Turner
    North Adelaide | Tall Utility

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 16-01-2008

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 16-01-2008

    DUAL-TIED UTILITY

    The daughter of former Crow and Blue Peter has attracted plenty of AFLW club interest over the last couple of years as the dual-sport prospect chose Aussie rules over basketball. No doubt the aforementioned clubs will be excited about that choice, though as a member of Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy and living in South Australia, it is fair to say that many expect it to benefit the Crows. On-field, Turner can play up both ends, having transformed into a tall defender last year, and is now back to her roots up forward. She is an elite contested mark, strong one-on-one and a lovely kick of the ball particularly over longer distances. But that ‘basketball background’ continues to bob up with her ability to sidestep opponents and find space where very few can. While not as explosive as some other talls in this list, she moves well and is arguably the best mark of the lot. She rarely drops anything within her grasp, and she can run hard and impact further afield as much as close to goal.

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  • #30
    Lucy Moore
    Woodville-West Torrens | Midfielder

    height: 164cm

    D.O.B: 30-04-2008

    height: 164cm

    D.O.B: 30-04-2008

    EXCELLENT EXTRACTOR

    Moore has been thereabouts in top 30 conversations for a while, and she earned her place following an All-Australian national carnival and big finish to the SANFLW season. The Woodville-West Torrens talent has averaged 19.2 disposals, 5.8 clearances and 7.2 tackles this season, and has been improving her contest-to-contest work pushing forward to hit the scoreboard and set others up. Though not overly big, Moore is one of the best first-possession winners in the draft crop, and also boasts that fast first few steps to extract the ball and send it forward. Has spent time up forward and much like her clearance ability, her defensive pressure is elite as well.

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  • #31
    Evie Bowie
    Swans Academy

    height: 170cm

    D.O.B: 31-12-2008

    height: 170cm

    D.O.B: 31-12-2008

    BANG FOR BUCK

    A fourth Swans Academy member in the list, Bowie is the inside-outside balance that enables her to not only influence a game around the stoppage, but also go forward and hit the scoreboard. She applies the defensive pressure required, and with ball in hand, has the ability to break from the stoppage and transition the ball forward. Her impact-per-possession is ultra-high and she has started to really rack up some big numbers in 2026. While she still has areas to work on when under pressure, her impact forward or centre is undoubted. She sets up teammates, breaks into space, and from there can hit passes inside 50 that lead to scores. One of Walsh’s Sydney University teammates, Bowie was a name touted as a ‘one to watch’ heading into her top-age season after an injury-interrupted 2025, and she has lived up to that billing. Is highly talented with upside.

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  • #32
    Layla Vizgaudis
    South Adelaide | Forward-Midfielder

    height: 161cm

    D.O.B: 22-04-2008

    height: 161cm

    D.O.B: 22-04-2008

    SMART N’ SKILLED

    Vizgaudis is the third South Adelaide player in the Power Rankings, and while her year ended on the sidelines, the skilful midfielder has done enough to show what she’s capable of to AFLW clubs. Unlucky not to even make the Under 17 Futures squad this season, her SANFLW season with a bang, and she was able to hold her own through a solid national carnival. A natural footballer with some eye-catching traits, Vizgaudis is a player you want with ball in hand. When able to stream forward, she can pick out passes inside 50 and while only lightly built, is courageous and will apply plenty of defensive pressure as well. Averaged 22.8 disposals, 3.6 tackles and 6.1 clearances this season, while also starting to hit the scoreboard with six goals in her limited eight SANFLW games.

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  • #33
    Lacey Nihill
    Bendigo Pioneers | Midfielder

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 01-05-2008

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 01-05-2008

    PIO POWER

    In a tough season for the Bendigo Pioneers, Nihill has been a shining light alongside a couple of others and deservedly earned a National Draft Combine invite. The explosive utility who also boasts fantastic endurance, Nihill has played in every position across the ground. From on-ball to wing, back to forward, name a spot and she can do a job. Her biggest strength comes in her run-and-gun profile, where she blasts off half-back down the outside and either kicks goals or sets up teammates, and is almost always able to win multiple possessions in a chain. A give-and-go player, Nihill is far from an outside receiver, also able to apply fantastic defensive pressure that is reflected in her high tackle numbers. It will be fascinating to see where clubs view her best position.

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  • #34
    Lily Milner
    Gippsland Power | Midfielder-Forward

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 25-01-2008

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 25-01-2008

    LEADING BY EXAMPLE

    Milner enjoyed a really consistent year for both Gippsland Power and Vic Country this season, finding plenty of the ball and becoming that bonafide midfielder who can push forward and hit the scoreboard. While still able to defensively cover her opponents, she provides drive down the field, with great vision, and if given any time or space, can nail passes to set up scoring chances. A fantastic defensive player who can run all game, expect her to come into considerations through the top 30 as one of the top Vic Country prospects this season. Her year is done and dusted, but ticked a lot of boxes along the way.

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  • #35
    Kiara Boyd
    Western Jets | Tall Utility

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 02-06-2008

    height: 173cm

    D.O.B: 02-06-2008

    BRILLIANT BOYD

    A highly talented netballer growing up, Kiara Boyd has been eye-catching since her match-winning debut booting three goals to drag the Western Jets over the line against Northern Territory in 2024. Having spent time across all thirds of the ground, she played back for Vic Metro which looms as her likely spot at the next level thanks to her positioning, reading of the play and strong hands. She has a lovely penetrating kick, can impact offensively and defensively, and had an impressive national carnival either side of her Talent League campaign and even a VFLW debut with Williamstown. A really reliable player who uses it well and can nail some difficult passes.

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  • #36
    Ashleigh Barlow
    Swans Academy | Tall Defender

    height: 174cm

    D.O.B: 06-06-2008

    height: 174cm

    D.O.B: 06-06-2008

    DEFENSIVE ROCK

    Another player who has bolted up draft boards in season 2026 so much so that she earned All-Australian honours. Barlow burst onto the scene in defence with her intercepting capabilities for the Sydney Swans Academy, but also rolled through the midfield to gain some valuable exposure around the ball. Capable of being both an aerial and ground level player, Barlow is one the red and white will be hoping can slid through with the attention on the four others mentioned higher in the rankings. She’s all quality though, with a nice penetrating kick and a great set of hands. Shows the competitiveness of the top 30 when Barlow at 36 should be a lock for that list.

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  • #37
    Georgie Fielder
    Glenelg | Wing-Midfielder

    height: 170cm

    D.O.B: 28-07-2008

    height: 170cm

    D.O.B: 28-07-2008

    FIELD OF DREAMS

    A frustrating and serious ankle injury put a line through the bulk of Fielder’s top-age campaign, but anyone who has watched the junior growing up cannot deny she has all the makings of a top 30 prospect. A nice speed-endurance mix and one who can play both inside or outside, Fielder is tough as nails and classy when in transition, not too dissimilar to former Bays’ teammate Violet Patterson. With more refined skills than the now-Magpie at the same age, Fielder has overcome obstacles to play a key role for Glenelg in the last handful of games through the SANFLW. Clubs cannot forget about her and what she is capable of at her best.

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  • #38
    Isabella Mazzei
    Oakleigh Chargers

    height: 169cm

    D.O.B: 06-06-2008

    height: 169cm

    D.O.B: 06-06-2008

    BELLA BALL

    Mazzei is a player who can bring both the traditionalists and modern day footy followers together with her profile. While having the old fashioned fierceness, competitive attitude and sheer will to win with her repeat efforts and defensive pressure, the Oakleigh Chargers midfielder brings back the traits of old school football, all while having a nice burst and sidestep. She hasn’t spent as much time in football as some others, so her fundamentals are still developing, but her kicking has come a long way, and she is very strong overhead, having been tested as a forward for Vic Metro against Western Australian. Elite stoppage craft and defensive pressure.

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  • #39
    Krystal Thompson
    North Adelaide

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 14-03-2007

    height: 176cm

    D.O.B: 14-03-2007

    RISING ROOSTER

    If you’re not a SANFLW follower, chances are you just had to Google about Thompson, but one look and you’ll realise what the fuss is about. Earning a surprise State Draft Combine invite – one of only two outside the traditional pathway this season – Thompson brings explosive speed, great hands and a penetrating long kick to the table. She has combined her recent football journey with an impressive junior basketball career, and the over-ager has not missed a beat for the Roosters on the footy field. Averaged 11.9 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.0 tackles and 2.6 rebound 50s as a tall intercepting defender, but she passes the eye test far better thanks to her athletic qualities.

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  • #40
    Adelaide Caldicott
    Eastern Ranges

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 18-04-2008

    height: 172cm

    D.O.B: 18-04-2008

    RANGES RISING

    Caldicott has made good on her potential shown last season to fill out the last spot in our AFLW Draft Power Rankings for August. A naturally gifted player who has spent time off a wing, around the contest but predominantly up forward, Caldicott possesses a really strong pair of hands, and natural forward craft with her leading patterns. She hits the scoreboard, but can also set up her teammates, moving well at ground level and being that slightly undersized tall forward, can impact in the air and at ground level. Still developing her game, Caldicott is coming off a four-goal performance in the Ranges’ last match of the regular season against Oakleigh Chargers.

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IN THE MIX

For this edition of the AFLW Draft Power Rankings, we did not include the long-term injured players in NSW-ACT prospects, Grace Tracey and Darcie Prosser-Shaw. They are well in contention for the range, and certainly would have been top 30 had they had the chance to shine. Gold Coast Suns Academy duo, Steph Aguinaldo and Summer Browning, Lions Academy member Stella Scott, Giants Academy’s Alana Fraser and Swans Academy’s Ava Horneman are among the Northern States prospects in the mix.

 

Dandenong Stingrays’ Sophie White is arguably the next one off the cab for our rankings, with her top-age season sensational for the Stingrays and Vic Country and is another All-Australian. Tasmanian Evie Bingham, Lions Academy tall Ella Gibson, Oakleigh Chargers’ Sophia Green, Western Jets’ Taylah Olivieri and Murray Bushrangers’ Eliza Roche are the remaining National Draft Combine invitees who again are firmly in the mix for Top 40.

 

You cannot discount mature-ager Tahlee McVee who drew interest a couple of years back before doing her ACL, and has enjoyed a strong season for West Perth in the WAFLW. She, West Australian defender India Bonadeo, Gippsland Power’ Grace Dillow, Western Jets’ Addison West and South Adelaide’s Hope Taylor are firmly in the bracket as well. In the most even draft, you could throw a blanket over 40 names for the 20-40 range.

 

Georgia Garlick is one who has plenty of fans with her damaging left-foot, while the returning Piper Dixon, classy Charlee Brooksby, tough Julia Faulkner and smart Dandenong pair Scarlett Marsh and Gabrielle Mehrmann are all in the mix. Club-tied prospects such as Leni Lockyer (Collingwood), Sienna Clinch (Gold Coast), Isla Judd (GWS Giants), Freya Ross, Jade Brazier and Ayla Airdrie (Brisbane Lions) will naturally have eyes on them.

STATE BY STATE

VICTORIA (14): Bailee Martin, Ava Bilyk, Brylee Anderson, Scout Semple, Grace McIntyre, Emily Rankin, Greea McKeegan, Maddison Meagher, Alli Allen, Lacey Nihill, Lily Milner, Kiara Boyd, Isabella Mazzei, Adelaide Caldicott

 

NSW-ACT (8): Majella Day, Charlotte Tidemann, Frances Walsh, Zoe Curry, Aurelia Russell, Morgan Stevens, Evie Bowie, Ashleigh Barlow

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (10): Emma Charlton, Taya Maxwell, Emily Mableson, Miyu Endersby, Ruby Lynch, Polly Turner, Lucy Moore, Layla Vizgaudis, Georgie Fielder, Krystal Thompson

 

QUEENSLAND (5): Mia Geere, Molly Ferguson, Aiyana Pritchard, Harlee McIlwain, Zoe Petrides

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3): Cara Dziegielewski, Lexi Strachan, Mia Carlshausen

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