STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Defensive pressure
+ Accountability
+ Versatility
+ Groundballs

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Fundamentals
- Exposure

A developing Queensland tall with the ability to play across various lines, Niamh McCarthy is another Brisbane lions Academy member to watch. The top-ager was limited to just one national carnival game but got her chance throughout the Coates Talent League Girls competition to ply her trade first as a ruck, and then into defence once Monique Corrigan returned to the side.

McCarthy is deceptively athletic, and while she looks like a player who can compete well one-on-one, she also has some nice follow-up and ground ball winning capabilities that enable her to matchup well against any opponent. Her natural accountability gives her a defensive post, but when in the ruck she will scrap at ground level too, and look to fire out the ball to waiting teammates.

She is not a high production player, and has a number of fundamental areas to still develop, but what she showed through the Lions Academy suggests she has plenty more to come. One who could develop astronomically as an over-ager next season, but is highly touted internally and is one to watch for the coming years.