SEASON 2018 in the AFLW has seen consistent players back up their efforts in the inaugural AFLW season, such as Daisy Pearce and Chelsea Randall. It has also unearthed some brilliant young players, such as NAB Rising Star Chloe Molloy and Dogs gun, Libby Birch.

The dominance of the Western Bulldogs in season 2018 was exemplified as they have four players making the final 21. Adelaide also has four representatives including co-captain, Chelsea Randall. Meanwhile Carlton is the only team to not be represented in the Team of the Year.

The back-line was settled for most of the season with the likes of Chloe Molloy and Kate Lutkins being named in the Team of the Week five times apiece. Their seasons were beyond consistent and it is easy to see why they are the best two key backs in the league.

Emma Kearney headlines the midfield after having an outstanding 2018, which was reflected by her winning the AFLW Best and Fairest as well as finishing first in metres gained and overall disposals for the season. AFLW Players’ MVP Courtney Gum who at 36, had a tantalising first season, also demanded a spot in the starting line-up as she was a consistent inside midfielder for the GWS Giants.

The forward line is spearheaded by Brisbane key forward and contested-mark specialist Sabrina Frederick-Traub as well as league leading goalkicker Brooke Lochland who’s move from the midfield to the forward line was a master stroke, as she went from kicking one goal in 2017 to 12 in 2018. She was a major reason why the Bulldogs were able to win a historic premiership in season 2018 with performances such as her seven-goal haul in round four.

Every player on the interchange has earned their spot on the team with big names such as Daisy Pearce and Alicia Eva managing to claim a spot. The 2017 Rising Star Ebony Marinoff deserves her spot as she broke all tackling records that were to be broken in the AFLW and AFL. She amassed 21 tackles in round four, which was the most ever; the previous record was 19 held by Tom Liberatore, Jude Bolton and Jack Ziebell.

The Crows co-captain Chelsea Randall is the 2018 captain of the AFL Draft Central Team of the Year thanks to her impressive performances every week. She was picked in the best 21 every week, and was the only player to achieve this feat. The vice-captain is Daisy Pearce who lead the Demons from the front every week, and always put her body on the line. 

FB: Libby Birch (WB), Kate Lutkins (Bris), Angela Foley (Adel)

HB: Chelsea Randall (Adel), Chloe Molloy (Coll), Ebony Antonio (Frem)

C: Emma Kearney (WB)

HF: Brooke Lochland (WB), Tegan Cunnigham (Melb), Christina Bernardi (Coll)

FF: Jess Wuetschner (Bris), Sabrina Frederick-Traub (Bris), Ruth Wallace (Adel)

R: Erin McKinnon (GWS), Courtney Gum (GWS), Dana Hooker (Frem)

I/C: Ebony Marinoff (Adel), Daisy Pearce (Melb), Ellie Blackburn (WB) Alicia Eva (GWS), Jasmine Garner (Coll)