2025 AFLW Draft Q&A: Jade McLay
NATIONAL Academy member Jade McLay suffered a season-ending shoulder injury early in the year, but kept herself involved in the game through Calder Cannons where she was appointed captain at the start of the season. While 2025 might not have gone to plan for the talented tall, she has put enough runs on the board […]
2025 AFLW Draft Q&A: Charlie O’Connor Moreira
WESTERN Jets big improver Charlie O’Connor Moreira was a late call-up to the State Draft Combine and the hard-running winger got her opportunity to flex some of her biggest strengths. After having a delayed start to the season. O’Connor Moreira moved though the pathway from local football to the Jets, and had a blistering end […]
Usher “super grateful” for support after frustrating 18 months
ONE OF the brightest young talents to have ever graced a football field, Ava Usher had ‘future star’ written all over her after an incredible double bottom-age campaign where she made a living breaking ankles and producing highlights that many would dream of being able to do. However life, and in her case, injury does […]
Gold Coast wins three-way race for Sunny
GOLD Coast Suns have gained a massive boost ahead of the AFL Women’s Draft, as their only Academy member with multiple club ties in Sunny Lappin has committed to nominating the Suns. Lappin, the daughter of 251-game Matthew, turned down the option to nominate Carlton and St Kilda where her dad played 196 and 55 […]
Thredgold “excited for an adventure”
STURT talent and South Australian vice-captain Sophie Thredgold would pack her bags in an instant if it meant relocating to chase her AFL Women’s dream. The Double Blues star has been grateful for the opportunities she has been afforded through the state league and South Australian Under 18s program in 2025 and after receiving a […]
2025 AFLW Draft Q&A: Baia Pugh
A TRUE draft bolter in every sense, few would have had the name Baia Pugh in contention even eight months ago. However the top-age talent who played her first year of Coates Talent League football in 2025 had a brilliant season that saw her rise from newcomer to a standout at Gippsland Power, and then […]
Russo “content” with year despite interruptions
WHILE 2025 was far from her perfect scenario, West Australian Mia Russo ended her top-age campaign “happy”. While Russo admitted she had “bigger plans” for herself, the West Perth star was able to continue her development and remain among the top 10 talents in this year’s AFLW Draft. “It was a really good year, especially […]
2025 AFLW Draft Q&A: Chloe Thorn
CAPTAINING Oakleigh Chargers this year, top-age talent Chloe Thorn has spent time across all three lines and further emphasised her consistency at multiple levels of competition. We spoke to Thorn at the National Draft Combine about her footballing journey, experiences and future goals. Q: Chloe, tell us a little bit about your footy journey? CT: “I […]
2025 AFLW Draft Q&A: Issy Creaton
A PRODUCTIVE top-age campaign from Eastern Ranges defender Isabelle Creaton resulted in the hard-running draft prospect earning a State Draft Combine invitation. Boasting some eye-catching traits, Creaton was a key member of the Ranges’ flag tilt, and held her own for Vic Metro as well. We spoke to Creaton at the Draft Combine where she […]
Bowering “excited” by possibilities for 2026
UNLIKE a lot of AFL Women’s draft prospects uncertain if they will relocate to continue their football at the elite level in 2026, the reality for Tasmanian Priya Bowering is that for many years she has known relocation is the only option, and is more than prepared for the challenge that awaits. “It will definitely […]
