IN a new series focusing on the up and coming AFL Women’s Draft hopefuls, we take a look at some names who would be among their respective states’ top draft prospects for the 2020 AFL Women’s Draft.

Next under the microscope is Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels’ ruck Maggie Caris who is hoping to join Rene in the AFL Women’s, whilst also having an elite junior level netball background.

Maggie Caris (GWV Rebels/Vic Country)

Height: 189cm
Position: Ruck
Strengths: Ruckwork, athleticism, second efforts, upside

2020 NAB League stats: 2 games | 11.5 disposals | 0.5 marks | 29.0 hitouts | 1.0 tackles | 3.0 inside 50s

2019 NAB League stats: 6 games | 8.7 disposals | 0.5 marks | 23.3 hitouts | 1.7 tackles | 1.0 rebounds

2019 Under 18 National Championships stats: 2 games | 6.5 disposals | 1.0 marks | 17.0 hitouts | 4.5 tackles

With rucks considered a premium at junior level, GWV Rebels’ Maggie Caris looks to be the top prospect for the 2020 AFL Women’s draft crop. Caris has represented Victoria in both Australian rules and netball, making her a dual-sport threat and someone who could capably pursue either career. In terms of her football, Caris has always had height on her side, usually towering over all of her opponents through the pathways, and having the ruck nous and athleticism to stand out.

Along with her work in the air, Caris is strong at ground level with her second efforts a feature of her game. Whilst not a massive tackler at NAB League level – she really ramped up the pressure at last year’s Under 18 National Championships, laying 4.5 tackles per game from her two matches. In just two games this year, Caris lifted her disposal count and hitout numbers, as well as played more of an offensive role compared to a defensive one where she dropped into the hole last year.

With three inside 50s per game, and having a dominant performance against the Western Jets in Round 2, Caris showed just what she was capable of winning the ball around the ground. But while her current ability is quite impressive, there are still areas to build upon – such as her overhead marking and scoreboard impact – which would take her game to another level again.

If the 2020 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships do go ahead, Caris is a player who not only would lead Vic Country’s attack through the ruck, but would be a contender for the All-Australian ruck position with a couple of talented South Australians also well stocked in that area. If she can pursue football and end up being drafted, she would follow in her sister Rene – Geelong AFL Women’s – in doing so.