STRENGTHS:

+ Defensive pressure
+ One-on-ones
+ Athleticism
+ Aerial ability
+ Accountability
+ Team-first nature
+ Consistency
+ Kick penetration

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking precision
- Intercept marking

Neuwirth is a true old school defender with some new athletic tricks. Her best games involve a balance of offensive and defensive actions, but the latter is certainly her bread and butter. She can lock down on an opponent and make life incredibly difficult, boasting a strong closing speed and aerial presence that forwards have to be aware of constantly.

Sometimes her opponents might think they have the jump on her, but Neuwirth can make up distance by reading the play and timing her spoils to perfection. The Oakleigh Chargers tall is a defender-first and will more than likely look to just bring the ball to ground. She can mark it, but that is an area of improvement, averaging just the 1.8 marks this season as she primarily looks to stop her direct opponent at all costs.

Her team-first attitude leads her to produce some timely spoils and then follow-up with a tackle or if she has the time and space, collect it herself and kick long to safety. While at times her kicking could be a touch more precise, she has a thumping kick that easily clears the defensive 50 when playing on, or buys herself and her teammate more time from the immediate danger.

So much is spoken about the explosive, offensive half-backs, but every side needs a Neuwirth. A 183cm true defender who will rarely lose, and is driven to get better. She has a nice endurance base for a tall, and moves well for a player of her height. Neuwirth is more than happy to sacrifice personal achievement in order to have team success, and her teammates can rely on her to do the job against any opponent.

While her size is better suited to the key position prospects, she does have that athleticism to match up against the medium talls as well. Offensively, Neuwirth really lifted her output this season, particularly for the 'Big V' and showed she has the capacity to do that if required. In saying that, she is so strong at defensively negating an opponent that it is her niche in a way because a lot of players can easily do the offensive work, but she can sit back and nail her role.

Overall, Neuwirth is an uncomplicated player who offers outstanding consistency, reliability and strength in the back half of the ground. She has the size to take on anyone, and the athleticism to match them in multiple facets. Given her size/athletic profile, Neuwirth ticks a lot of boxes that clubs are looking for when it comes to a pure defender.