Sophie Kavanagh is a high-upside forward with super athleticism having come from a high-level track background. The 19-year-old competed at the nationals for track and field with her long jump her standout trait but also having been a high jumper and 100-metre sprinter too. That helps her catch the eye on the field with weapons that can further be developed, as she worked her way up to the AFL Sydney Premier League with Macquarie University.

Boasting explosive speed and great defensive pressure, Kavanagh is able to hit the scoreboard, but also worry opposition defenders when she starts to close them down. Kavanagh has had limited exposure compared to some others, but had made the transition well coming into the code this year. She earned a Rising Star nomination in the competition for her four goals against North Shore on debut in Round 7.

Kavanagh finished the year with 25 goals in 14 games across the senior side, kicking multiple majors in eight matches. It was incredible to think that in May, she played two games with the Goannas' Division 2 side after being dropped back from the Division 1 team, only to find her way back up to the Premier League and hold her spot.

Several AFLW clubs have been tracking her progress given her rapid rise through the AFL Sydney competition, but if the speedster does not earn her chance this year, would be a much-watched mature-ager in 2024.

STRENGTHS:

- Scoreboard impact
- Explosive speed
- Athleticism
- Goal sense
- Upside
- Defensive pressure

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Limited exposure
- Versatility

Picture credit: Deanne Brown