Sharing the QAFL Women's leading goalkicker in the 2023 season, Maggie O'Connell was consistently a headache for opposition defenders as she averaged almost two goals per game for Southport this year. Her work inside 50 was outstanding and she continued her trajectory as one of the more damaging forwards, as the over-ager averaged 9.9 disposals, 2.3 marks and 4.5 tackles this year.

O'Connell came through the Gold Coast Suns Academy and is only one year older than her peers who are getting drafted this year, showing the traits that got her into the Academy. She is good overhead, a reliable set shot and a player who only needs a few chances to do damage on the scoreboard and prove a match-winner.

Though O'Connell has largely just been that forward who is a sheer scorer, her tackling pressure is still more than enough to show she works hard both offensively and defensively. At 171cm, O'Connell is a good medium height to compete strongly in the air, and once the ball hits the deck, she goes to work.

From 28 goals in 15 games, O'Connell had a season-high bag of six against Yeronga South Birsbane in Round 16, as well as two bags of four, and two three-goal hauls, kicking a major in all bar five matches.

STRENGTHS:

- Goal sense
- Scoreboard impact
- Marking
- Consistency
- Strength
- Defensive pressure

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Versatility
- Opposite foot
- Production

Picture credit: AFL Queensland