A change of role in season 2022 is what Nyakoat Dojiok will hope helps her take the next step into the AFL Women’s. The former AFLW Academy member missed out at the first chance of asking despite a fairly strong under-age campaign with the GWV Rebels. Last year, Dojiok had a few questions over her work rate and kicking, which have been areas of continued improvement for the athletic talent.

What Dojiok offers to a side is very eye-catching with high-level athleticism, and great positioning behind the ball. She is able to leap high and pull down big grabs, and does her best work when she is able to drop into a hole in defence. Except in 2022, Dojiok had a change of clubs, and scenery. The former defender shuffled to the other end of the field with the change from the red, white and blue to the black and white, with the Bulldogs half-back becoming a Magpies forward in the VFLW this year.

Dojiok had success in attack, booting nine goals in seven games, and only went goalless once - but kicked a behind - in Collingwood’s huge 73-point defeat at the hands of Essendon. Dojiok kicked multiple majors against Geelong, Carlton and Hawthorn, becoming a regular scoring threat for the Magpies. On talent alone, Dojiok has enough about her to earn a call-up, and the fact she has proven herself as a forward to go with her natural defensive role, will appeal to a club willing to give her a chance.

Her kicking is still going to be a question mark, but it will be about whether a club will overlook her deficiencies for what she brings to the table. With maturity and experience, Dojiok could be a valuable addition and play in a variety of positions going forward. That versatility adds another string to her bow for the AFLW Draft, and from there, she has a springboard to stake a case to recruiters.