THERE were many standouts across the grounds in the opening round of the TAC Cup Girls competition. It was a difficult task to pick the best player out of these standouts, but it is a task that we will take on every week here at AFL Draft Central. We will reward the best player each week through writing an article that explains the good things that they did during the game, and predict what the future holds for them. 

This week, our Player of the Week is Zoe Inei from the Geelong Falcons, who impressed in the ruck and in the middle of the ground throughout the afternoon at Deakin, 

#33: Zoe Inei (Geelong Falcons)

Zoe Inei played in the ruck for the Falcons, but had an impact all over the ground. She hails from the Geelong West Giants, and is true to her club’s name. The 184cm ruckman was able to use her size to monster through her opponents, intimidating the Dragons midfielders in the heart of the contest. Her ruck work was effective, allowing the likes of teammates, Nina Morrison and Olivia Purcell to run onto the footy. But at times, she was often the one who followed up her own ruck work, playing the role of a rover in the heart of the contest. The ruckman was able to use her quick hands to pick the footy up and clear it into space, allowing the Falcons midfielders to use their running game to trouble the Dragons.

Inei also displayed wonderful speed throughout the match. She was able to chase down players, no matter what size they were, and her tackles often resulted in Sandringham turnovers. Next week, the Falcons face off against the GWV Rebels, where Inei will most likely battle against AFLW Academy member, Rene Caris. Both girls are the same height, and will undoubtedly be battling hard in the ruck throughout the game. The biggest test for Inei will be continuing to make an impact around the ground. Caris is known to make an impact in the midfield, and if she starts to get on top of Inei in the ruck, it could make for a very tough battle in the heart of the contest.

Zoe Inei was able to run a muck against the Dragons, who are not a small side by any means. She could have an even bigger impact as the season goes on, as she could have another breakthrough game against the smaller sides of the competition, and perhaps even kick a few majors to back up her good work in the middle of the ground.

Picture credit: Peter Ristevski, Geelong Advertiser