STRENGTHS:

+ Contested marking
+ Presence
+ Strength
+ Aerial ability
+ Penetrating kick

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Athleticism
- Groundballs

Providing a point of difference when it comes to key forward/rucks, Tonkin does not have the athleticism of some of her peers, but is far stronger and more reliable when it comes to physically imposing herself on the contest. She averaged 9.8 disposals, 16.6 hitouts and 2.6 marks throughout the SANFLW season this year, and managed the 7.0 disposals, 1.3 marks and 14.7 hitouts at the championships.

While her bottom-age season was more prolific - Tonkin had 13.5 disposals, 2.5 marks and 20.0 hitouts for the Croweaters across two games - she also did not have the interruptions that occurred in 2025. At her best, Tonkin is a powerful key target who can pull down a grab if a teammate puts the ball anywhere in her vicinity.

Her strength both overhead and at ground level is evident, and she can do all the team things right with big blocks or tackles, and with her size and strength enables her teammates to read the ball off hands as a predictable ruck. She uses the space at the contest well, plants the feet and then is able to control the airways even sometimes with a double tap down for safety to a teammates.

When she does have the ball, Tonkin has a booming kick, and using all her power can clear defensive zones, getting it deep inside 50. When forward, she can be a marking target, and though she only kicked the four goals across the last two seasons for the Bloods, draws opponents away from teammates which opens up opportunities for others.

She is the kind of player that opposition defenders cannot watch carefully, because she is such a strong mark and long kick. While the injury interruptions meant she could not quite hit the heights she might liked to of in 2025, she has shown enough over the last couple of seasons to suggest she is a player who can be an option at the top level.

Naturally with the strength and power is the other side of the coin where Tonkin does not have the athleticism of other ruck/forwards. She has been working hard to develop that element and get a little more agile and quicker. Tonkin is what you would call 'mobile' so she can compete and follow-up well, but can improve the athletic component of her game. On top of that, continuing to develop her groundball work is another improvement area, though to be fair if she's in position A to mark it, the ball doesn't get to ground.

Overall, Tonkin is a talented tall who has her strengths and limitations. She looms as good value for a side looking for a more immediate solution to a ruck/forward list hole. Her experience through the SANFLW means she is tried and tested against senior bodies, and has no qualms taking on any opponent.