STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Aerial ability
+ Intercept marking
+ Reading the play
+ Run-and-carry
+ Competitiveness

IMPROVEMENTS:

- One-on-ones
- Kicking precision

PROFILE:

Holly Egan is an exciting talent with great athleticism that catches the eye. Be it in the air, or tucking the ball under the arm and running down the field, Egan creates plenty of dare and dash for whatever side she plays for. Her competitive side comes out be it aerially or at ground level, though she is much more comfortable with the former.

Reading the play well and being able to pluck intercept marks from opposition forward forays underpins her game. The promising tall has the athleticism to play on key position players, or even general forwards, with the ability to run off as well as defend. Though one-on-one she can get exposed a little against bigger opponents, she does well when able to position herself and play her natural game.

She is best suited as a third-tall intercept defender who can chop out, float in and mark, then peel off and deliver down the ground. She loves to take the game on and will burst off half-back and keep the ball moving in transition.

When it comes to her kicking there are many layers to it. Her technique itself is great, it is about honing in on the precision of consistently hitting targets. She can nail short passes with ease, and there is nothing wrong stylistically, but being able to be more precise when looking to bite off those riskier kicks is an element that can further improve.

Aside from that though, she has a lot of elements in her game that will adapt at the top level. Egan's combination of athleticism and smarts - as well as natural leadership that comes with captaining a club in just her second Under 18s season - will all be big ticks for AFLW clubs. Her work throughout the course of the season has been consistent and she has done her job to a t.

Egan spoke preseason of her desire to play up forward as she has in the past for her junior football, though showed her defensive craft, as well as midfield ability. Being behind the ball suits her strengths and seems an ideal role, though having the ability to go inside and influence stoppages with a point of difference is also an important element in her profile.

She has the height and speed to trouble opposition midfielders, and if put forward can have many defenders for speed. She has almost been a victim of her own success down back, with her strong season in the back 50 cementing her place in that role for the future.