Mulvahil able to adapt with pathway challenges
NO matter what challenge is thrown at her, Northern Territory’s Grace Mulvahil has taken them head-on. The talented Southern Districts teenager has been starring in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s Premier League, having dominated as a junior with an accolade-filled CV. “I started playing for Crocs when I was about 10-years-old,” Mulvahil told […]
Ballard buoyed by “enjoyable” position switch
STURT utility Alex Ballard is a player capable of shining at either end of the field, with her versatility tested throughout state Under 19s and SANFL Women’s duties. The top-ager already has over 30 senior games to her name after debuting in 2018, utilised as an equally capable intercept marking defender and full forward in […]
Thomas well supported during injured season
SUBIACO’S Charlotte Thomas would have no doubt preferred to have run out in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) Women’s competition more than once this season, but unfortunately has not been able to get on the park due to a wrist injury. The AFL Women’s Academy member has certainly had the runs on the board […]
Webster enjoying teamwork and physicality in footy
TASMANIAN Jemma Webster might be from a different sporting code to her now Australian rules football pathway, but it is not one you would expect – gymnastics. The former gymnast spent her childhood in the sport, then opted to transition into the oblong-shaped ball game and follow in the footsteps of her cousin, St Kilda’s […]
Mann part of the Peel “family”
PEEL Thunder prospect Bella Mann is a talented multi-sport athlete. A former basketballer and netballer, the 17-year-old has taken to the Australian football code quickly after getting her introduction as a “fill in”. “I started playing basketball and netball since I was little,” Mann said. “When I moved to Baldivis, my friends had a local […]
Lishmund one of the Valley’s great hopes
WATCHING her brother play local football at Hope Valley spawned a thought for Alana Lishmund – “I can play that.” She certainly can play, with the Norwood prospect utilised in a number of roles at SANFL Women’s and state Under 19s level throughout her draft-eligible season. The 17-year-old was part of the Redlegs’ side which […]
Bishop enjoying GIANTS pathway
WHILST getting drafted is the ultimate goal for Canberra’s Eleanor Bishop, the talented teenager would have no qualms about going through the GIANTS Academy pathway again in 2022 if needed. Bishop, who represents Ainslie in the AFL Canberra, said the structure and atmosphere of the GIANTS had been really enjoyable and had given her plenty […]
Fast learning Lakay takes her game to new heights
AMONG the many code-jumping athletes gunning for the height of women’s football is Swan Districts ruck Sarah Lakay, one of Western Australia’s 15 National Combine invitees in 2021. The 186cm prospect has taken to Australian football with aplomb since crossing from basketball, rising from a local club which “lost every game”, to becoming a key […]
Versatile Parish thrives on physicality
WHEN asked of the key traits she wanted to present at the AFL Women’s Under 19 National Championships, the answer was pretty straightforward and ominous for Jamie Parish. “Definitely my physicality,” Parish said. “I love bumping, hitting, shepherding.” The versatile Woodville-West Torrens talent has enjoyed a swift journey into the South Australian talent pathway, crossing […]
Analysis | The importance of fitness testing in modern football recruiting
THERE has been plenty of debate when talking about potential AFL prospects pertaining to the differences between judging ‘athletes’ against ‘pure footballers’. There is an argument that fitness testing should be taken with a grain of salt and that the eye test is most important, but when it comes to players being drafted – especially […]
