After tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in last year’s preliminary final and missing out on the SANFL Women’s Grand Final, Kuiper made a remarkable return to action in 2023, squeezing in a Development League game in Round 3, before earning her place in the League side for Round 4. She has played three consecutive matches and it has looked like she has never left with the 21-year-old averaging 23.3 disposals, 3.7 marks, 5.0 clearances and 8.0 tackles in 2023.

A natural inside midfielder, Kuiper is one of the more important players in the SANFL Women’s. Coming through the state junior program a few years back, she has development into one of South Australia’s most consistent midfielders at League level. She still has her deficiencies with her kicking, but on sheer contested ball-winning, she deserves a chance. Her contest work, in particular her clearance ability is sensational, and she spreads well around the ground. Her best work is done on the inside, and Kuiper is a player who would have no issues slotting immediately into a lineup.

STRENGTHS:

• Contested work
• Clearances
• Defensive pressure
• Production
• Consistency

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Outside game
• Polish