Versatile Anderson happy to play the team role
THERE are not too many positions over her junior career that Eastern Ranges utility Brylee Anderson has not played. A natural midfielder, Anderson has spent time inside, outside, deep forward, rebounding out of the backline and playing on a range of talls and smalls depending on the opposition and the situation. For the National Academy […]
Perfect 10/10 for Meagher after “amazing” 2026
LIFE on the football field could not have been any better for Northern Knights speedster Maddison Meagher this year, rating the “amazing” season a “10 out of 10”. Coming into the campaign as one of the most eye-catching prospects and fastest players in the draft crop, Meagher went from her Knights to Vic Metro and […]
Browning builds mental strength after interrupted start
GOLD Coast Suns Academy member Summer Browning is well aware her knee injury that delayed the start of her season and flared up again mid-season could have been worse, but her dedication to recovery was the key to returning and playing out a solid national championships. “I hurt my knee at the very start of […]
“Grateful” Milner positive about year, future
IT WAS a busy year for Gippsland Power’s Lily Milner. The Vic Country representative played through both the Under 18s Championships and Talent League Girls seasons as well as getting a gig with the All-Stars against the National Academy. Milner was able to sum up her experiences in 2026 in a simple word. “I think […]
Forward thinking Olivieri on the cusp of dream
HAVING always been a natural midfielder, Tayla Olivieri had an inkling that this year was about change, and a move to the small forward role was on the cards. Though that did eventuate – and the Vic Metro representative spent the bulk of her representative time inside 50 while rotating between the two at the […]
Dees, Roos divide amongst AFLW Draft hopes
A WHOPPING 83 per cent of the National AFLW Draft Combine invitees suggest the AFL Women’s flag is a two-horse race. As part of the Draft Combine week, Rookie Me Central spoke to all 47 available players at the MCG with a series of questions to get a consensus on a number of topics. >>> […]
Bowie thriving after “cool experiences” in draft year
SYDNEY Swans fans have plenty of bright talents to look forward to from their Academy in the 2026 AFLW Draft, and one of them is Sydney University’s Evie Bowie. The smooth-moving midfielder – who spent time rotating forward for the Allies and at times the Swans – looked fondly upon her top-age season, as she […]
Selfless Mableson enjoys “fun” of top-age season
ENTERING the 2026 AFL Women’s Draft, few players have a better CV than South Australian Emily Mableson who is right in the mix for the top few selections. The West Adelaide prospect won MVPs at both Under 16s and Under 18s level for her state, captained the 16s side to the title, and was part […]
McKeegan happy with juggling act in top-age season
TALENTED tall Greea McKeegan is unfazed about having to juggle multiple football commitments or even roles on the field, with the National Academy member believing the “pretty good system” that was put in place for her helped her seamlessly transition between the Geelong Falcons, Geelong Grammar School, Vic Country and the National Academy. McKeegan said […]
Strachan grateful for support throughout 2026
WEST Australian Lexi Strachan had a “really hard” start to the season with plenty of juggling for her football commitments, as well as trying to find form for the state side, but with plenty of people in her corner, the West Perth top-ager emerged stronger from it. Strachan came into 2026 as a prestigious talent, […]
