Missing nearly all of her bottom-age year with a broken leg after being a standout for Vic Country’s Under 16s side, Cassidy Mailer certainly stepped up in a big way for the Murray Bushrangers in 2022. The 165cm talent played in all thirds of the ground, plugging role in midfield, defence and attack, wherever required. She has superb versatility, and when having time and space on her side, she can utilise the space to curate pinpoint passes.

Though her kicking under pressure can still be tidied up, particularly relating back to composure with ball-in-hand, Mailer is very clever with her use when executing quick handballs in transition. It is her high footy IQ and vision that helps her on the move, and though she does not have explosive breakaway speed, she is able to create separation through smarts and evasion. She sums up the situation quickly and moves to evade a would-be tackler.

Mailer more often than not will make good decisions going forward, which allows her to play in the variety of roles. She averaged almost three rebound 50s per game for the Bushrangers, then when forward slotted three goals. Always being a part of the midfield rotation, Mailer has a strong endurance base to work with, and combined with her natural footballing ability, she has a lot to like about her future potential.

She managed the two games for Vic Country, and would have played a third, but was a late out against South Australia. She averaged 9.5 disposals and just under four tackles and four marks per game, strong overhead for a player of her size. She competes well and applies the defensive pressure, making her more than capable in the air, or at ground level. Her versatility and upside, considering she missed a year of footy, should be more than enough for a club to consider her.