Morris enjoying “awesome” footy journey
SYDNEY Swans Academy member Olivia Morris has enjoyed quite the rise in her football journey over the last few years. Heading into her draft year, Morris is looking forward to adding plenty more experiences, after getting a taste for what it takes to compete with the best. The top-age AFL Women’s draft prospect represented the […]
Callinan, McKercher making waves in Tassie
THE TASMANIA Devils laid claim to four draftees last year, and look set to produce a few more in 2023. Among the top prospects from the Apple Isle are AFL Academy members Jack Callinan and Colby McKercher, two speedy customers who will look to build on promising bottom-age campaigns and take the next step this […]
Barwick’s busted knee unlocks coaching door
HEADLINING developments in the AFLW Draft space this week is the unfortunate news that Tasmanian midfielder Brooke Barwick has suffered a serious knee injury. The star top-ager ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee while playing a local touch footy match with friends, less than a month out from the start of the […]
Lawrence to give draft “one more go” in new-look role
AFTER being overlooked at the end of his top-age campaign last year, Giants Academy product Luke Lawrence is preparing to give the AFL Draft “one more go” in 2023. The 18-year-old comes with a plan and expects to put his name forward for draft contention thanks to a revised role, devised by academy coach Tadhg […]
Inclusions key to Central’s success: Smith
CENTRAL District captain Shelby Smith labelled one debutant “an absolute superstar”, another “unreal”, and issued a warning to opposition defences trying to contain a three-prong tall attack. Smith’s comments come after the Bulldogs’ win over Woodville-West Torrens on the weekend, which backed up a victory over the Eagles in the opening trial match three weeks […]
Richardson, Graham gain ground in preseason
BILLY Richardson and Will Graham were two of six Queenslanders to have run out on AFL Grand Final day in last year’s Under 17 Futures match, and are now primed to make a splash as top-agers. The Sunshine State products, of the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns academies respectively, have had different paths to […]
Read, Rogers ready to light up the Gold Coast sky
THE GOLD Coast Suns Academy boasts some prime AFL Draft talent in 2023, headlined by a trio of National Academy inductees. Among them are nippy midfielder-forward Jake Rogers and mobile ruckman Ethan Read, both of whom sat down with Rookie Me Central for a Q&A at the recent Queensland preseason testing event. >> Squad: 2023 […]
New-look Roosters remain a contender
NORTH Adelaide will be almost unrecognisable towards the back-end of the season, with half of its premiership team set to make way for new faces by the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s finals series. Coach Krissie Steen is coming off a second flag in three seasons with the red and white, but will […]
Docker Staunton “just lucky” for GIANT opportunity
BOLTING out of relative obscurity into the AFL Women’s Academy, GWS GIANTS Academy member Melanie Staunton is one name to keep an eye on in 2023. Though she describes her rise from Ulladulla Dockers talent to AFLW Academy as “just lucky”, the 18-year-old is certainly not taking her incredible opportunity lightly. Tasting life as an […]
Love for Swans sees Turner Funk return
OVERAGE AFL Women’s draft hopeful Asha Turner Funk has her sights set on obtaining an elite level list spot in the future, but is hoping to make the most of a second chance at the AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships. The 167cm midfielder turns 19 in April, and was among the players to earn an […]
