IT is usually a difficult decision to pick the AFL Draft Central TAC Cup Girls’ Player of the Week, but in round seven, one individual performance in the forward line stood out from the rest. Northern Knights’ Britney Gutknecht booted six goals against the Bendigo Pioneers and was awarded the best afield, and the best of the round from our point of view. 

Gutknecht has been one of many impressive performers in Northern’s line-up this season. She is a versatile midfielder who can make an impact up forward or in defence. Gutknecht is the second Knights player to be awarded the Player of the Week, joining AFLW Academy member, Gabrielle Newton as nominees. Gutknecht would undoubtedly be hoping to produce some heroics again in round eight, as her undefeated side takes on the other undefeated TAC Cup Girls side in the Geelong Falcons. 

Scouting notes vs. Bendigo Pioneers 

#22 Britney Gutknecht 

Gutknecht was dangerous all day, presented well and was very influential. She capitalised perfectly from a set shot straight in front in the second term from a wonderful Alex Pronesti pass. She kicked her second for the term when she played on from a set shot in a lack of concentration from Bendigo’s defence. This allowed her to ease the pressure and create an easier shot on goal for herself. Late in the third term she kicked her third major from a scrimmage in the goal-square. Pronesti and Gutknecht combined for the second time, where a selfless act from Pronesti displayed the epitome of putting the team first. Gutknecht absolutely dominated the last quarter, finishing off with adding another two goals to her total of six.