THERE are not too many positions over her junior career that Eastern Ranges utility Brylee Anderson has not played. A natural midfielder, Anderson has spent time inside, outside, deep forward, rebounding out of the backline and playing on a range of talls and smalls depending on the opposition and the situation. For the National Academy member and Vic Metro representative, it’s all part and parcel of the game.

“I just find it not too difficult, I just take it on,” Anderson said. “I love getting to try different things, play different roles, I just play what’s required of me. “But the girls make it a lot easier, from all the different teams I’ve played in, it’s a good group of girls so that makes it a lot easier.”

Reigning premiers Eastern Ranges lost coach Jarrad Donders midway through preseason after the title-winning coach was selected to lead Richmond AFLW. The Ranges got a pretty handy replacement in outgoing Sydney Swans mentor Scott Gowans, and while Anderson said both were fantastic leaders, the change early in the season definitely made life a little challenging on the field.

“There was definitely a lot of changes which was difficult at times,” Anderson said. “I guess having a new coach it takes a bit of time to get to know him and understand his coaching style, but it ended up being pretty good. But a lot of change.

“But it (2026) was definitely fun. “The different teams I’ve been in, National Academy and Vic Metro. Eastern was a lot of fun as well, obviously disappointing not to get into the granny, but it was a really good season with the girls.”

Anderson cited one of her biggest strengths as also her biggest improvement in 2026, while still working on her athletic side to round out her game, particularly when in the midfield.

“I think my contested game, my quick hands, that’s definitely improved,” she said. “It’s a strength of mine but I think it’s gone up another level.

“Still my endurance (is an improvement) and just being more active at stoppages to then explode out of contests.”

Relocating interstate is always a possibility for aspiring AFLW draftees, and while Victorians have a better chance of staying home with 10 of the 18 clubs located in the state, Anderson has already prepared herself for the possibility of an interstate move.

“Obviously there’s a chance of that happening, but I would just be grateful to play footy wherever so whatever happens, I’ll take it on and do it,” she said.

Whether it’s interstate or at one of the Victorian clubs, Anderson said she would focus on “building connections” with her new teammates and coaches as one of the first items on the agenda in preseason, in order to put her in “good stead”. While her on-field role first-up is less certain than most, Anderson is happy to do whatever the team requires of her.

“I don’t think I would start as a midfielder, maybe as a forward or back, whatever the team needs at that stage,” Anderson said. “Hopefully in the next couple of years, midfield would be the goal.”

DRAFT FEATURES:

New South Wales: Evie Bowie
Queensland: Zoe Petrides, Summer Browning
South Australia: Emily Mableson
Vic Country: Greea McKeegan, Lily Milner
Vic Metro: Bailee Martin, Tayla Olivieri, Maddison Meagher
Western Australia: Lexi Strachan