SNAPSHOT: "Cruelled by an unfortunate ACL tear near the end of the Coates Talent League Girls season, Gallagher's year finished on a low, but still provided plenty highs for the Vic Country representative."

STRENGTHS:

+ Explosive speed
+ Agility
+ Defensive pressure
+ Leadership
+ Outside game
+ Two-way running

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Durability
- Kicking precision
- Strength

PROFILE:

Gippsland Power captain Zali Gallagher's breakout top-age season came to a grinding halt when tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Murray Bushrangers in Round 16. The 162cm wing had forced her way into Vic Country's lineup off the back of rock solid Talent League form earlier in the year, with her two-way running and athletic profile catching recruiters eyes.

Unfortunately for the explosive speedster that would come to an abrupt end, but not before she showed she was capable of matching it with the best in the country. She only averaged the 6.3 disposals at the national; carnival, but holds her line well on the wing and will always put pressure on her opponent. Her traits lend themselves to roles up either end too, with that defensive capability a point of difference.

Her kicking is the main area of improvement for Gallagher, running at around 50 per cent by foot across the Talent League and national carnival, but her advantage with her possessions comes in her metres gained and forced opposition turnovers, which is what will be key elements in her profile once she recovers from her ACL injury.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS: