STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Vertical jump
+ Contested marking
+ Versatility
+ Athleticism
+ Defensive pressure
+ Follow-up work
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking
- Accuracy
- Composure

Boasting an array of serious eye-catching weapons, Neyland's star factor begins in the air, where her combination of vertical jump, aerial ability in general and contested marking really stands out. Whether she is in attack or in defence, when she gets a clear jump at it, the Swans Academy member is difficult to stop, and her hands are as safe as anyone else's in the draft crop.

Only emphasised by her four marks per match at Talent League level - including 1.5 contested grabs per game - Neyland's aerial strength is nothing too new for talls, but it is when you factor in her remarkable athleticism. Usually players who are more athletic are still developing the fundamentals such as contested marking, while those who are prolific contested markers are not as athletic but rather stronger. Neyland is a blend of both which is why she is such a rare talent.

In addition to her aerial prowess, Neyland's work in the contest is not done if she is spoiled or the ball ends up favouring her opponent. If it hits the deck, Neyland's follow-up work and defensive pressure is as good as any other tall in the draft as well. Again, her 6.5 tackles per match for the Swans is almost unheard of for a 178cm player, especially one who takes the ball so clearly in the air. She hunts the ball and the opponent, and will repeat defensive acts time and time again.

These three factors - aerial ability, groundlevel play and athleticism - make her a nightmare to matchup on, and a player who can hurt the opposition in so many different ways. Considering she missed so much football - especially at the sub-elite junior level - prior to this year - it is incredible that she has got to the point she has, but it would be no surprise to see a bid come on the teenager in the top 10.

The major knock on Neyland's game - and perhaps the only one in terms of needed improvements - comes in her kicking. She can be erratic with her disposal - both out of defence or on goal - and that is a clear defined way she can get even better. If she starts nailing passes or converting all of her chances when inside 50, watch out because the rest of her game is so well rounded.

With greater composure when having ball in hand, Neyland can improve her efficiency, running at 52.8 per cent by foot through the Coates Talent League - which is not too bad given the 61 per cent contested possession rate - but that dropped to 40.7 per cent by foot at the national carnival. It is an improvement and she is well aware of it, but you'd take improving that aspect any day given the high volume of traits Neyland possesses that are not so easily adjusted.

Neyland was one of four Basil Sellers Scholarship winners heading into 2025, and has certainly fulfilled the expectations juggling her football and her studies. Looking to the 2025 AFLW Draft, the tall utility possesses quite the highlights package and no doubt other clubs will be clambering to try and recruit her south, north or west.