Picture credit: Nick Hook Photography

Very rarely would a player who will be 34 by the time the AFL Women's season roles around would be considered an AFLW Draft prospect, but it is worth highlighting what South Adelaide's Caitlin Couch could offer to an AFL Women's program.

Ignoring the age barrier which naturally will be a contentious point especially for rebuilding clubs, Couch ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to competing at the elite level. She plays inside, but can do it on the outside as well, has all the tricks of skill, decision making and footy IQ that make her an outstanding talent with ball-in-hand, while also bringing the defensive pressure.

A two-way runner, Couch averaged 6.5 tackles from her 15.9 disposals, while amassing 2.8 marks, 3.5 clearances, 2.7 inside 50s and 2.2 rebound 50s, dotting her I's and crossing her T's in terms of her draft profile. She rarely plays a bad game and consistently features among the best, with five or more tackles in nine of her 11 SANFL Women's games this season.

The fact she can play inside or outside and have an impact in arguably the strongest state league - having previously played for NT Thunder - is a huge tick as well. Put simply, if she was 10 years younger, she would be a monty to make it to the next level, so if clubs need that polish and hardness combination, even if over the short-term, then Couch is a great selection.

STRENGTHS:

- Skills
- Decision making
- Clean hands
- Footy IQ
- Inside game
- Defensive pressure

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Upside
- Scoreboard impact