THE BEST ‘FOOTBALLER’

If you look up what many see to be the prototype ‘footballer’, then there’s a chance a photo of Ash Centra will accompany that definition. Standing at a good height of 174cm, with elite foot skills and decision making, few can produce a highlight reel quite like Centra. She has played on all three lines which gives her versatility a big tick too, starting as a key forward at Under 16s level, then progressing through to be a key back rotating through the midfield, now she plays as a midfielder/forward, but in all honesty has the licence to rotate all over the field. She is a natural match-winner and star ball-winner who rarely ever plays a bad game. Over the years her off-ball understanding has had to improve, and it that improvement has shown in 2024.

Centra has the best natural footballing traits, but also has improvements such as her set shot goalkicking which has plagued her since she came into the competition. For an elite field kick, it is strange to have that element as a rare blip on an otherwise perfect profile. She is also not explosive like Harris or Fish, but has that ‘stopping time’ element and strong hips that allow her to step between opponents and shrug off would-be tacklers with ease. Given Harris is club-tied to the Gold Coast Suns, expect Centra to be the first ‘live’ pick in the AFLW Draft.

PREVIOUS RANK: #2

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Centra was solid in her side’s loss to Queensland, before taking it up a notch under the Marvel Stadium roof against Vic Metro. She had 29 touches, three clearances and booted two goals in that match, before heading back to Coates Talent League level where she has kicked five goals in two games and helped provide a target inside 50 as well as a ball-winner through the middle.

ZIPPY BY NAME, ZIPPY BY NATURE

While Centra might be the most recognisable face in the 2024 AFLW Draft crop, Zippy Fish has the most recognisable name. She lives up to it too, with an explosive burst that once she is goalside, it is game over for opponents. Bursting onto the scene a few years ago when she won MVP for Western Australia during its internal Under 16s Championships – prior to playing other states – Fish has long racked up the accolades left and right. An All-Australian as a bottom-ager for the national championships, Fish starred last season for the Sandgropers and will again headline a squad that is stronger than years gone by. Playing at East Fremantle where there is no shortage of talent on-ball or around the field, Fish has ascended to the top of the most damaging players there, and her teammates look for her at every opportunity. At times it is mind boggling that opposition teams don’t place a tag on her, as Fish slices them up; able to burst from centre stoppages, run forward and kick goals from 40 metres with a classy finish. Oh, and last year she won best on ground in the WAFLW Grand Final leading her Sharks to a premiership.

In any other year, Fish would be a pick one lock, but the sheer strength of this draft means she is currently third which is no slight considering the two players above her. From and outside craft perspective and athletic profile, there are none better. She could go close to beating the 3.1-second mark in the 20m sprint, having clocked 3.14 seconds in the past at official preseason testing. Her agility and outstanding clean hands are other strengths in her game, as well as her aerial ability which pound-for-pound is as good as anyone’s going around. The main knock on Fish is her contested ball-winning ability as she is small and naturally has speed over strength, though she does lay some seriously strong tackles. A perfect second possession winner who also can balance between loose ball gets and handball receives to explode forward, she would complement any midfield that has pure contested ball-winners.

PREVIOUS RANK: #3

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Fish finished the WAFLW season with a runner-up effort in the league best and fairest, before taking out East Fremantle’s top gong a short time later. She fell short of a second flag, but still did what she could for the Sharks, before rolling out for the Sandgropers on the weekend. She was not able to influence much in the first half, but got her hands on it more in the second – 15 disposals – to finish with 24 touches. Will be better for the run ahead of the huge clash with Country this weekend.

THE DEADLY LEFT-FOOTER

India Rasheed has had the touch of class and forward smarts since debuting for Sturt in the SANFLW three seasons ago. Though she has had some setbacks with injury along the way – including a hip injury that saw her miss the Under 17 Futures match last season, she has not wasted any time in stepping back up to the level this season. A damaging left-footer who can hit targets over any distance, Rasheed is the daughter of international tennis coach Roger, and the niece of former Collingwood and Port Adelaide player, Tyson Goldsack. Rasheed gained national attention for her terrific snap from the boundary during the 2022 SANFLW Grand Final where Sturt went down to North Adelaide. By her own admission, she didn’t think it was ‘one of her best’ but that gives an idea of just how good some of her goals have been. She has developed from a crafty forward into a genuine 50/50 midfielder/forward and dominated around clearances with her high level football smarts and nice first few steps allowing her to get clear. Though not as damaging was forced onto the right side or under pressure, give Rasheed a split second and she will hit kicks that very few can.

In 2024, Rasheed averaged 24.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 6.1 tackles, 4.8 clearances and 5.1 inside 50s, while kicking 11 goals for the Double Blues from 12 SANFLW games. Though not gaining as much midfield time as others when playing for the AFLW Academy, that is also largely due to her forward craft. Still developing some areas of her game such as her opposite side, Rasheed knows how to impact games in multiple ways.

PREVIOUS RANK: #5

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Rasheed became the first player to rise in ranking, moving into fourth spot following a massive first-up game at the national carnival. She was clearly best on ground in South Australia’s big victory over the Allies, racking up 28 disposals, five marks, seven tackles, two inside 50s, two rebound 50s and booting 3.2.

THE SILENT ASSASSIN

Molly O’Hehir is regarded as one of the nicest people off the field, and fiercest on it, and that is evident when both speaking to her and watching her, in a stark contrast. She is incredibly competitive and will run hard defensively and lay some bone-crunching tackles, while with ball-in-hand explode forward and set up scoring opportunities. An underrated element of her game is her score involvements, constantly picking the right options and opening the game up. At her height of 179cm and her athletic profile, O’Hehir is another player who would be in contention for the top pick most other years. She is not only explosive, but has elite endurance, taking out South Fremantle’s yo-yo test in the preseason and finishing among the best overall. Even when assessing all of these huge pluses, the other element is the fact that O’Hehir can play in just about any position. Her favourite is coming off half-back but she has spent time up forward, on a wing, and more recently inside for the Bulldogs at WAFLW level.

The talented tall averaged 19.4 disposals, 2.2 marks and a whopping 6.1 tackles at WAFLW level for the Bulldogs, and also was one of the best for the Sandgropers in the WAFLW State match earlier this year. It might have been forgotten that she was a bottom-age All-Australian so her top-age season is not out of the blue and it has been brewing for a while. On traits alone, she is one of the best in the draft crop, and while her production is lower than the five above her, her upside is just as good as anyone.

PREVIOUS RANK: #6

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O’Hehir remains a high production prospect who is deserving of a top five spot. The West Australian started in defence against Queensland and then rotated into the middle after that, racking up 11 of her 18 disposals in the second half once she had settled on-ball. She went at an elite 88.9 per cent efficiency by foot and had three marks, four tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s as well.

THE UNDERRATED STAR

It is understandable when a player has missed a year due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that they may have been somewhat forgotten in draft calculations. There is no such memory loss here though, with McKee every bit as good as any other player in this draft. It is a big call, but the way she played as an Under 16s talent at SANFLW level and Under 18 Championships – making the All-Australian team no less – there is just too much to work with to drop her far down the order. On talent alone she is a top 10 lock, and had she played last year, may well have been talked up in the same light as the top few prospects. Athletically she is elite, with her speed and evasion sensational. From a footballing perspective, McKee is also elite in those areas, with a great understanding of what to do and when to do it, kicking three goals back in 2022 to help Central District get past West Adelaide off her own boot. It was a dominant effort, but not an outlier as she settled into life as a midfielder/forward. Since coming back from her ACL injury this year, McKee has played a deep forward role essentially stationed one-on-one in the goalsquare where she can go to work.

It is hoped through the national carnival she will get more midfield time and get to show some of the standout qualities she did as a double bottom-ager. Her skills, decision making and vision are so good, and she can kick off both sides of her body, as she showed in the SANFLW this year with a brilliant goal from the pocket off her non-preferred left. The main reason she is not higher is largely due to not having the same runs on the board of late, and only playing deep forward since her return. While looking at her stats this season might seem like she is a pure forward, she has a lot more strings to her bow, and it is hoped we will see them return again soon with a move up the field.

PREVIOUS RANK: #9

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The major bolter within the top 10, it was earmarked that McKee should be top five on talent, and she moved up three spots off the back of her return to the midfield for the Croweaters in the recent trial game against the SANFLW Under 23s squad. That, along with her impressive three-goal effort for South Australia in the win over the Allies showed she can be just as damaging in either role. Her Under 16s form was elite and she’s starting to hum at the right time of the year.

THE POWERFUL UTILITY

One of the many pick one contenders discussed over the last couple of years, Painter’s bottom-age season was curtained by a long-term ankle injury. Unfortunately that ruled her out of the second half of the Coates Talent League Girls season, as well as the AFLW Under 18 Championships. Her last national carnival back in 2022 saw her win the Vic Country MVP – ahead of Centra – as she simply dominated. Of her performances across two games, Painter was predominantly midfield/forward then put into defence to ‘rest’ only to rack up the ball there as well. Boasting a powerful right peg and more than capable on her left side as well, she is able to play in any role be it offensive or defence. Another handy size at 174cm, she is as strong as anyone overhead, and has a powerful burst off the first few steps to help her win plenty of clearances. Time and time again she is often guarded by opposition teams when playing for the Pioneers purely because of her impact wherever she goes. Her best position at AFLW level is unknown, but it is hard to doubt her quality.

Painter is incredibly in her fourth Talent League season, having made her debut as a triple bottom-ager back in 2021. This year she has kicked six goals from 10 games for the Pioneers, averaging 23.6 disposals, 4.7 marks, 7.5 tackles, 5.5 inside 50s and 3.7 rebounds, testament to her ability to impact in multiple roles. She is yet to be able to play VFLW due to an untimely injury the week she was set to play for the Bombers, but has turned out for the AFLW Academy twice and had some big moments.

PREVIOUS RANK: #4

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While on paper Painter has dropped three spots, it is more about others rising up with outstanding performances. Still very strong across the board, Painter has been very good without being outstanding through the national championships, though has such a point of difference with her strength and power on the inside compared to others. Could easily be a top five pick and very much still in that mix.

CLASS AND POWER

Carlton fans will be excited to hear about the latest McKay coming through the ranks with Sophie an impressive all-round player out of the Sandringham Dragons. The daughter of Andrew and sister of Abbie shares similar competitive traits, but is also a very different player than the aforementioned pair. Her class in particular sets her aside, able to finish well and impact around goals, hitting the scoreboard consistently. She is able to not only rest forward, but play a meaningful role there, and while McKay is a natural midfielder, it adds a point of difference. The Vic Metro onballer is a first or second possession winner depending on who she is lining up with, and is very quick to run forward and win the ball just outside the arc before distributing. Her ability to use her powerful burst out of the stoppage helps her, and she can pop up for a goal or two a game most weeks. Her main area of improvement comes in her defensive running, with her ability to get forward a massive strength, but getting back less so. Still, she is a very exciting talent.

McKay is renowned for stepping up in big games, awarded MVP at the Under 17 Futures game last year for the winning side, while also being among the best in the AFLW Academy’s big win over the Under 23 All-Stars at the start of the year. She has had mixed form for Sandringham, and while it is evident she is often a class above, there is still room for improvement. Her defensive pressure is superb and she loves to tackle, and well as burst forward, and though she could tidy up some execution at times, she has a high impact-per-possession style. In 2024, McKay has averaged 22.9 disposals, 2.8 marks, 5.5 tackles and 3.8 inside 50s for the Dragons, and kicked three goals from her five matches.

PREVIOUS RANK: #7

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McKay has been a consistent force through the middle for Vic Metro, averaging 25.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 2.0 tackles, 5.0 clearances and 6.0 inside 50s, while also kicking a goal against Country under the Marvel Stadium roof. Has a well-rounded offensive game and the main knock is on her defensive running, but otherwise has plenty for Carlton fans to be excited by going forward.

VELCRO HANDS

Oakleigh Chargers key forward Emma McDonald only burst onto the scene as a bottom-ager but quickly caught the eye with her tenaciousness to leap for marks, and then being able to convert consistently with a reliable set shot routine. Coming into her top-age campaign, hopes were high for the talented tall who earned a spot in the AFLW Academy. She has not put a foot wrong this year, and is one of the best contested marking players going around. While she has spent time in defence, McDonald isn’t quite as versatile as some others in that tall-to-key position bracket, but is no less impactful. Standing at 179cm, McDonald is mobile and is not afraid to compete at ground level, laying her fair share of tackles when required. Up to her Round 13 match, McDonald had booted 14.9 from 13 games, while averaging 14.2 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.3 tackles and 2.7 inside 50s.

McDonald is very consistent for a key position forward, and being in a side with the midfield strength of Oakleigh certainly helps. Her field kicking is above average for a player of her size, and she has great vision going forward. McDonald is well aware of her limitations in terms of when she is deciding between taking a set shot and passing off, and will quite often keep her head on a swivel if a better option presents itself. The biggest plus of McDonald’s game outside her marking and set shot goalkicking is her second efforts, often going to ground and getting it out with a fierce competitive nature. In terms of the more players with a clear dominant first position, McDonald slots in nicely to the top 10.

PREVIOUS RANK: #8

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McDonald has not done much wrong this season. Even if she is not kicking bags of goals, she is consistently hitting the scoreboard and dominating in the air. Across the past four Coates Talent League Girls rounds, McDonald averaged seven marks per game, kicking seven goals in that period. She had her quietest game for the year against Vic Country with just six touches and a behind, but others took centre stage that day and she competed well.

METRES GAINED MARVEL

When it comes to taking on the game, few do it better than Geelong Falcons’ Sara Howley. The massive ball-winner and reigning Coates Talent League Girls Best and Fairest winner is a consistent production player who can win it on the inside or outside, and pushes forward to impact the contest inside 50. There are very few players who can match her remarkable consistency in terms of both sheer production and work rate forward of centre, often winning two or three possessions in repeat contests. On numbers alone, she deserves to be higher on this list, and in just about any other year would be a top five lock. Still ranked inside the top five for Victorians, Howley has some unbelievable strengths, and still areas to work on. In all bar one of her Falcons games, Howley has picked up 20-plus disposals, including seven 25-plus disposal games. While a dominant forward runner, Howley could at times also lower the eyes going inside 50. In saying that, she has got the licence to take the game on as she backs herself and explodes away from opponents with ease, often dishing off the handball to receive it back and run hard forward.

Her aerial ability is strong, she lays her fair share of tackles, and has a solid kick-to-handball ratio for a player who accumulates often. When at her best, Howley is drifting forward and kicking goals, and she even spent time up forward against the Calder Cannons kicking three goals from 32 touches. Her best game though was arguably in the win against the GWV Rebels. There she had 36 disposals and kicked a goal, but made just about every disposal a winner and was great with her decision making and vision.

PREVIOUS RANK: #11

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Howley would be favourite for the Vic Country MVP based off her form, as she has been the most consistent across both AFLW Under 18 Championships matches. Though known for her best work running down the ground, in the loss to Vic Metro, Howley played the contested ball-winning midfielder well, racking up a ridiculous 12 clearances from 26 disposals. Enters the top 10 in the rankings and could be easily higher.

THE INTERCEPTING MACHINE

The younger sister of Port Adelaide’s Matilda, Poppy is forging her own path as a tall utility coming through the junior development pathways. Only eligible for this year’s draft by one day – born on December 31 – Scholz represents enormous upside. Though unlike her ruck sister, Poppy is more of an intercepting defender who can also play a variety of roles. With some experience in the ruck for South Australia’s Under 18s program last year, Scholz has also spent time as a winger – such as her Under 16s year – and even up forward. Known as a ‘unicorn’ type player, Scholz can fill a role in just about any position. Last year she averaged 14.0 disposals, 3.7 marks, 3.0 tackles, 6.3 hitouts and 2.0 rebounds rotating between defence and ruck for the Croweaters, and has played 22 games at SANFLW level. Though limited this season due to a mix of netball commitments and injury, Scholz is still enjoying a strong campaign and is focused on chasing her AFLW dream and ideally joining her sister at Alberton.

In the SANFLW, Scholz averaged 12.8 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.3 tackles, 1.8 inside 50s and 1.3 rebound 50s, while her ability to bite off risky kicks and hit targets on that 45-degree angle into the corridor as well as down the line, is a strength in her game. Without a doubt her aerial ability is her biggest weapon, taking six or more marks in four of her seven matches this season, racking up 16 or more disposals in each of those games as well. While consistency had been an area to improve on, Scholz has largely found that this season, and looms as a player who will certainly be viewed as a possible top 10 pick.

PREVIOUS RANK: #10

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Scholz made a somewhat surprise return from an ankle injury for Glenelg’s preliminary final against Norwood. She started in defence then was thrown forward where she kicked a goal. While she looked slightly off the pace that day, she backed up to represent South Australia at both ends as well. Proving lively, she fitted in well, but will get better with more games under her belt.

RUCK AND ROLL

Unfortunately injury has kept Dandenong Stingrays prospect Elli Symonds on the sidelines for much of this season, making her one of the more difficult players to judge with so many of her contemporaries having a greater top-age sample size. Despite missing on-field matches up until mid-July, the AFLW Academy showed enough in her bottom-age campaign to suggest she’s comfortably a first round prospect. Aside from her final execution with her kicking, she ticks just about every other box. Having played as a ruck and forward, Symonds can clunk a grab, leap ridiculously high, and tackles hard, providing a dream prototype for a new-age ruck. Like in both the men’s and women’s footballing spaces, rucks who can act as a “fourth midfielder” are worth their weight in gold, and Symonds is just that.

In her debut season, Symonds averaged 18.3 disposals, 2.2 marks, 5.4 tackles, 16.8 hitouts, 4.1 inside 50s and booted eight goals in 12 games. Her work around the ground was far above expectations, and that coupled with her athleticism made her an eye-catching prospect. While she is a raw talent, Symonds has enormous potential and with some matches behind her would undoubtedly move up the order.

PREVIOUS RANK: #17

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Symonds made her long-awaited return via the Dandenong Stingrays in pretty awful conditions the first two weeks. She picked up 21 touches and booted two goals playing exclusively forward against Sandringham Dragons, then had 19 disposals in three and a bit quarters against Eastern Ranges in pouring rain. She is gradually building the minutes back into her legs and should be good to step up for Vic Country.

AERIAL STAR

Charlotte Riggs is the second Central District player inside the first round, and the fourth South Australian to fall within the top 12 of our Power Rankings. The Bulldogs defender has added more strings to her bow in 2024, also playing forward and through the ruck. With the addition of Miyu Endersby as an intercepting defender, the ultra-athletic star has broadened her horizons, while also still playing her familiar centre half-back role. Last year she returned to the field in the SANFLW Grand Final after copping an early knock, going forward and kicking a crucial goal during Central District’s remarkable comeback win. Though her consistency and four-quarter impact can waver at times, her massive vertical leap, along with her velcro-safe hands make her a valuable talent. She competes hard in the air and will tackle just as fierce at ground level, with great mobility that allows her to adapt in multiple situations. In a draft flushed with talls, Riggs is just another great top-end option.

The 182cm utility averaged 11.2 disposals, 3.2 marks, 2.8 tackles, 1.4 clearances, 1.2 inside 50s and 2.2 rebound 50s for the Bulldogs this season, and had a 39-hitout game against Sturt in Round 9, also kicking two goals from seven disposals in a ruck-forward role. She can have some quieter games occasionally, but has a long kick and is generally efficient.

PREVIOUS RANK: #12

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Riggs finished off her SANFLW season with a strong 19-disposal game against South Adelaide in defence, before being quieter against Norwood in the preliminary final. Back in the tri-colours for her state, Riggs started in defence then moved forward, also taking ruck stoppages rotating with Chloe Tonkin to pick up 14 disposals, 10 hitouts, five clearances and kick a goal as well.

SERIOUS SKILLS

One of the more unique stories out of last year was the emergence of Jasmine Evans, who was scouted by the SANFLW Talent Pathway and zoned to Central District while representing her local league. She looked a class above during that carnival, and even when going to the next couple of levels, has not changed that perception. She might not be the biggest ball-winner or the most consistent and does have areas to further develop, but her skills by foot would be in the top five of this draft. That, coupled with her outstanding decision making and vision, allow her to be a point of difference compared to others. Evans is a player who constantly has her head on a swivel and can hit those 45-degree kicks without any issues. Like McKee, she has played at the incredibly strong Central District, so has largely played forward, with some rotations further afield. A natural playmaker, Evans is the player you want with ball-in-hand going inside 50 as she will almost always find a target. This season she has constantly been a threat in front of goal too, finishing in the top five goals with 15 for the season, 10 off the leaders.

While at times Evans could have greater production, she is right now an impact player who can pop up and win her side games, much to the dismay of Norwood who will not have fond memories of her kicking the match-winning goal once, then kicking three in a row to snatch victory away from the Redlegs a second time. Evans is a big-game player, kicking a crucial goal in last year’s SANFLW Grand Final and with further development, the softly spoken midfielder-forward can certainly make some noise with her game.

PREVIOUS RANK: #20

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Another bolter who showed her talent for South Australia at the national carnival, Evans was sublime and next best behind Rasheed, recording 22 disposals, six marks, three tackles, three clearances, three inside 50s and kicking a classy running goal. She went at 72.7 per cent efficiency and was able to move through traffic and execute by hand or foot consistently.

TACKLING MACHINE

Western Jets’ Sierra Grieves had been around for a long time in Coates Talent League Girls circles, named on the list way back in 2021 as a 14-year-old, and making her debut during the Western Jets’ 2022 premiership season. She has played 29 games since and over the course of each season has bumped up her disposal average to a ridiculous 29.6 in season 2024. Having also played as a forward – particularly in her first season – she graduated into the midfielder/forward role last season, and has predominantly been an inside mid for the Jets this year. Her contest-to-contest ability and knack for getting into open spaces shows off her work rate, but her best work is done on the inside. One of the best inside midfielders in the crop, her hands are clean and she works hard to extract the ball out of stoppages time and time again. When forward, she can clunk a strong mark having that string to her bow.

Coming off an MVP for the AFLW Academy in its win over the Under 21 All-Stars, Grieves has steadily maintained her consistency. She had 25 disposals, but just one of her 13 kicks was effective, compared to 75 per cent of her handballs. That kicking is an element that can improve, and considering the work she has done in impacting on the outside this season, is something that can come. She cracks in, goes hard and while formerly a ground ball get first possession winner previously, had 10 handball receives in the same game the most of anyone, giving an idea of her improvement and how she will only get better.

PREVIOUS RANK: #16

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Grieves has continued her consistent form through the national carnival for Vic Metro, having 27 touches, four marks, four tackles, six clearances and a goal in the win over the Allies, before 30 disposals, three tackles, seven clearances and six inside 50s against Vic Country. A natural accumulator who will always give 100 per cent.

NATURAL LEADER

Everything seemed to click midway through last year when bottom-ager Sienna Tallariti moved to defence. Having been trialled as a midfielder and forward, Tallariti took her turn at going behind the ball and it worked a treat. The young Oakleigh star ended up getting better and better as the season went on, and it culminated in winning the best on ground in the Coates Talent League Girls Grand Final. Also representing Vic Metro for two games, Tallariti showed that her height – 168cm – is not a detriment to her playing a key role in defence. She is incredibly smart, reads the play well, clunks grabs with ease and makes good decisions with ball-in-hand. Though Tallariti might be slightly undersized and not as athletic as some others, it is testament to her ability to overcome her areas of improvement and impact just about every week. She has an elite kick, is strong one-on-one and can peel off from her opponent as well. All in all, there is not much Tallariti can’t do and being captain of the strongest Talent League Girls region is just another feather in the cap.

In 2024, Tallariti is averaging 18.0 disposals, 2.9 marks and 4.8 rebound 50s, while also occasionally being thrown forward just to show she has not lost her versatility. She has not played a bad game in a long time, and is as consistent as they come.

PREVIOUS RANK: #13

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Like Painter, it is nothing Tallariti has done wrong to move down three spots, but more others rising up around her. She has not been able to impact as much playing in such as a strong Vic Metro and Chargers defence, but is rock solid when she does win it. She is averaging 9.5 disposals and 6.0 rebound 50s from her first two Metro games.

CLASS ON THE INSIDE

Gold Coast Suns Academy midfielder Tara Harrington is a player who is often flying under the radar due to playing alongside the likes of Havana Harris at Bond University, the Suns Academy and Queensland. While Harris does catch plenty of attention and deservedly so, Harrington has enormous talent in her own right. She has developed from a running defender and wing into a classy inside midfielder. Ultra clean by hand and smart with the ball-in-hand, Harrington is able to impact games through her use of well-weighted handballs and slicing kicks. While inside midfielders can be a dime-a-dozen, Harrington has shown when on the outside she can hurt opposition teams in transition with her fantastic foot skills. This year her work on the inside can might have gone unnoticed with the amount of work she has done in there, but her release by hand and equal measure of offensive and defensive pressure stands out in her game, earning her spot inside the top 15.

Harrington is rated highly internally, and it is easy to see why. She just does everything right, and since bursting onto the scene in the Under 16s, has not put a foot wrong. Standing at 167cm, Harrington is as tough as they come pound-for-pound and she is not afraid to crack in and match it with bigger opponents. With plenty of upside, the Queenslander can very easily settle into life as an outside player who rotates inside, or vice-versa, which is a nice point of difference compared to other inside midfielders.

PREVIOUS RANK: #15

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Unfortunately an ankle injury has kept Harrington out of on-field action for the Maroons this year, but she has still remained busy around her state side. While injury gives others a chance to prove their case, Harrington is a quality player who won’t have any problems landing on an AFLW list.

UPSIDE PERSONIFIED

Stepping up to Coates Talent League Girls level last season, Grace Baba was an unlucky omission from Vic Metro’s squad as a bottom-ager, having impressed for Eastern Ranges throughout the 2023 season. She has outstanding athletic traits, but unlike a lot of athletic talls, has a lot more to her game. Her vertical leap is ridiculous, but she can also hit targets by foot and looks to take the game on whenever possible. At times the latter can run her into trouble and force her to make rushed decisions, but once playing within a game plan and an elite program, it is hard to deny that Baba will only get better. Unlike many who have been playing at the level for a number of years, Baba is only into her second season for the Ranges, and she earned an AFLW Academy spot. No doubt that was a balance between what she had shown in glimpses, and what she could produce, and in the first Academy win over the Under 23 All-Stars, she caught the eye with her high leaping and driving out of defence.

Baba is like an untapped talent ready to explode, and once again in 2024 she showed marked improvement after an impressive 20234 season that saw her average 12.6 disposals, 2.1 marks and 3.6 rebound 50s across 13 games. Fast forward to this year, and the Ranges tall has had her injury interruptions but has returned to play now.

PREVIOUS RANK: #18

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Baba managed to make her return for the Ranges over the past three rounds, coming via the Talent League rather than playing for Metro at the national carnival. She has rotated between midfield, defence and attack, kicking a goal in each match and her game on the weekend against the Jets was the most productive of the lot. Her 21-disposal performance against the Jets was a season-high.

VELCRO HANDS

Georgie Brisbane is an extremely gifted footballer with natural leadership and the versatility to not just be a contested marking forward, but also work up the ground and compete on a wing too. Her start to the 2024 season was slow, though after a break she made a promising return and never looked back. Her form off the back of the Ranges June matches led to her kicking four goals in a half – and five in total – against the Allies up in Blacktown. Her strong hands and mobility help her not only compete in the air but at ground level too, and her defensive work – such as her chasing and tackling pressure has noticeably impacted games as well. Given her evident upside and velcro-like hands she is maximising with way more confidence than at the start of the year, Brisbane is very much in the top 20 mix. She might have ebbs and flows, but her past two months have been sublime.

Brisbane has gone from averaging 7.3 disposals, 2.7 marks and booted a goal each across her first three games, to 13.3 disposals and kicking nine goals from her last seven Talent League Girls games. Is becoming more involved when the game isn’t going her way, and is rounding out her obvious offensive attributes.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

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Brisbane kicked five goals against the Allies, then finished with two majors from 11 touches and four marks against a stronger Vic Country lineup. She has a limitless ceiling if it all comes together, and since returning from a rest, has competed hard and has kicked multiple goals in more than half of her games she has played.

ALL-ROUND IMPACT

If a club is looking for a player who just does everything well, them Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Sarah Poustie might be a perfect fit. She is one of those players who does not have a single elite trait – other than her ridiculous endurance base – but she is strong overhead and at ground level, works hard contest-to-contest, can play inside or outside and is generally neat with the ball. She does not necessarily play a ‘pretty’ style of football – more ‘gritty’ – but that is due to her throwing herself at winning the hardball with reckless abandonment. She is a first and second possession winner, plied her trade out on a wing to start with and has since become a strong inside ball-winner as well. Her footballing smarts and elite endurance allow her to cover the ground with ease and she finds pockets of space all over the field. Consistency is another big tick for Poustie, not dropping below 20 disposals in any of her Coates Talent League Girls matches this season. A fortnight ago, Poustie had 24 disposals, six tackles and three clearances for the Under 21 All-Stars against the AFLW Academy to win her side’s MVP.

There is a lot to like about the way Poustie plays her football. She is a non-fuss player who while averaging 25.2 disposals per game for the Chargers, is also averaging 10.7 tackles per match. A defensive machine, she is not defined by one single area, and while some players have some clear elite areas and some key deficiencies, Poustie finds herself above the board in most elements of the game.

PREVIOUS RANK: #27

LAST MONTH:

A big rise into the Top 20 for Poustie who just meets any challenge thrust upon her. For Vic Metro she is averaging 19.0 disposals, 4.0 marks, 3.5 tackles, 2.0 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s and 2.0 rebound 50s while kicking a goal against the Allies. Her most recent Talent League Girls game was a huge 32-disposal, five-mark, six-inside 50 performance against the Geelong Falcons. Still yet to dip below 20 disposals for her club.

UNDERRATED KEY FORWARD

Claire Mahony’s stats might not jump off the page, but the GWV Rebels’ key forward is one with enormous potential. Underrated in many ways after being overlooked for the AFLW Academy, Mahony has shown that when she gets supply, she can be ultra-damaging. In Round 1 for the Rebels against the Geelong Falcons, Mahony had 17 disposals, seven marks and kicked 2.2 to almost single-handedly drag her side across the line. Unfortunately at times the Rebels have struggled to give her many looks, which has resulted in minimal impact. When she has pushed up the ground in recent weeks – even spending time in defence and on a wing – she has had maximum impact and showed just how impressive she can be. A competitive key forward who will crash packs and either clunk the mark or bring it to ground, Mahony is a special talent. She is raw, but her field kicking is outstanding, and though she is not a huge accumulator, as she showed against the Bendigo Pioneers, when given a chance she can have a day out, kicking four goals in a win.

Mahony has represented the All-Stars against the AFLW Academy on both occasions, and once again was limited by opportunities. When she did have a chance, she presented well and will always compete for a mark, and the traits that she brings to the table to not come around too often. The first player in this list outside the AFLW Academy, Mahony makes it in off upside, and it is anticipated that when representing Vic Country this year, she might have more chances to impact the scoreboard more consistently and will continue to stake her claim as one of the most impressive talls this year.

PREVIOUS RANK: #14

LAST MONTH:

Mahony’s form has dipped only slightly over the month, working further up the ground for the Rebels and even playing in defence for a half here or there, or on the wing. Her marking ability is elite and she is finding more of the ball by the move, but has had less impact on the scoreboard. Her two-goal effort for Vic Country against Vic Metro was very good, but has only kicked two goals across her past four games in Talent League. Still a high-upside player.

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

A player who was on the precipice of the top 30 last time out, Reynolds has gone above and beyond the past month to land inside it for August. The Dandenong Stingrays midfielder/forward is one of the cleanest players in the draft crop when it comes to her work off the deck, and she has a high impact-per-possession as well. Though best known for her second possession work, Ryenolds has been getting stronger at being a first-possession winner and she is perfect for that role given her clean hands. It enables her to have an extra split second on her opponent that she can combine with a nice quick burst, then kick it forward or dish off to a teammate nearby. While still ironing out some elements of her game when it comes to kicking under pressure, with her vision and decision making usually top notch, if Reynolds is afforded any space she will punish opponents on the regular.

Reynolds has averaged 24.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 2.9 tackles and 4.1 inside 50s, really moving away from a midfielder-forward role to a full-time midfielder. Though she has essentially just played forward for Vic Country with the occasional attendance around the stoppages, her distribution and decision making has been impressive on the national stage.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Outside of the top 10 prospects coming into the national carnival for Vic Country, Reynolds could be considered having performed the next best. Finishing with 18 touches, three marks and five inside 50s against Queensland, then she had 13 disposals, two marks, two tackles, two inside 50s and two rebound 50s against Vic Metro. Her Stingrays form has been as strong as anyone’s in the competition, and she is right in the mix for the Rookie Me Central Medal.

DRAFT BOLTER

Just about no one would have predicted Swan Districts’ Lily Paterson’s rise in 2024, with the talented midfielder left out of the West Australian Summer training hub. Having shown patches of brilliance at times, Paterson was ultimately coming off a season where she averaged 9.5 disposals, 1.1 marks, 1.7 inside 50s and six goals in 15 games. She would bob up here and there playing forward, but nothing massively substantial. Fast forward to this season, and her non-impactful performances are basically non-existent. She has been a key cog in the Swans’ finals tilt, and has won the ball at will playing inside midfielder, while rotating off both sets of flanks. In 2024, she averaged 24.2 disposals in the WAFLW, while also recording up 4.2 marks, 4.1 tackles and kicking six goals. Her set shot goalkicking is an area of improvement with 6.10 for the season, largely impacted by her 0.6 against West Perth in Round 8. That day she also casually collected 37 disposals and clunked six marks, numbers she repeated on the weekend against Peel Thunder.

Paterson’s accumulation is backed up by skill and vision with her kicking and ability to execute absolutely sublime. She can win it on the inside off hands, as a second possession winner or when spreading well to the outside. She is not explosive, and that is arguably the chink in her otherwise impressive armour, though she can run all day, and it has helped her rack up 20-plus disposals in her past six games, including three 30-plus matches. There might not be many outside Western Australia who have seen much of Paterson, but she is very much in the top mix.

PREVIOUS RANK: #24

LAST MONTH:

Paterson showed her form at WAFLW level this season was no fluke, stepping up to be best-on for the Sangropers in their tough loss to Queensland. Racking up 18 disposals and six clearances in a half, Paterson was dominating before copping a knock and spent most of quarter three on the bench. She would have another five disposals and two clearances in the last quarter, and showed her class, particularly by hand in traffic.

POWERFUL SUPERBOOT

The top prospect from the Apple Isle, Mackenzie Williams is a powerful defender who has begun adding a midfield element to her game this season. While not as influential in there compared to her defensive role, she has great power and strength to shrug off would-be tacklers and use her legs to drive forward and gain momentum. She is a super kick of the ball in terms of distance and penetration, though it is the accuracy with said kick that is the next step. Williams can tend to blast away at times, and while that is something she can continue to work on, she is not just a pure rebounder. The Tasmanian is also a strong interceptor who can read the play well, step up and take clutch marks and look to switch wherever possible. She plays the game in a fast style, and in the modern footballing world, getting speed on the ball is critical and she stands that chain through her power and creating that chaos football downfield. At this stage is the top-ranked Allies player.

Williams is averaging 18.4 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.8 tackles, 2.5 inside 50s and 3.9 rebound 50s this season, also kicking her first Coates Talent League Girls goal back in Round 3 against the Giants Academy. She held her own in the AFLW Academy match, and at 171cm, is that in-between height of not quite being key position, but tall enough to match it with those players, as well as out-bodying smaller, but quicker players.

PREVIOUS RANK: #22

LAST MONTH:

Williams remains around the mark at the conclusion of the Allies’ AFLW Under 18 Championships campaign. The top-ager averaged 16.7 disposals, 4.3 marks and 6.3 rebound 50s across three games, standing tall in a couple of beltings as well. She finished with a respective 70 per cent disposal efficiency, and with further development on her decision making, could be a valuable player given her power and kicking capabilities.

HIGH-FLYING UTILITY

Another player who had her 2023 season curtailed by injury, Claremont’s Claudia Wright is Western Australia’s third AFLW Academy member and very much around the mark for that late first, early second round selection in an open draft. In the Tigers’ premiership season, Wright showed her potential to play 10 games and averaged 10.6 disposals, 2.1 marks, 2.2 tackles and 2.6 inside 50s playing a mix of half-forward and wing. At times she could shift to half-back – a role shew has also spent time at – as well as more recently inside midfield. All in all at 173cm, Wright is a smaller but similar version of Poppy Scholz – a player who can take a strong mark, make good decisions and hit targets forward of centre and compete well one-on-one – but also has that inside experience. Her production is not as high as others, and while that is a combination of playing multiple roles and also being in a side like Claremont which is flushed with ball-winners, she just oozes that X-Factor and ability to step up when required.

Unfortunately injury has again caught up with Wright, though she finished off her WAFL season averaging 16.2 disposals, 4.2 marks, 3.8 tackles and kicked three goals from 13 matches. She has played on all three lines, and has built on her inaugural season two years ago with considerable increases across the board.

PREVIOUS RANK: #19

LAST MONTH:

A ill-timed broken leg on the weekend before the national carnival meant Wright – who is currently on crutches – would not get her chance to step up against the best in the nation. It has been a frustrating couple of years for Wright, who will remain around the mark, and her versatility and upside will hold her in good stead.

BASEBALL CONVERT

A member of the Giants Academy, Ash Patton is an internationally capped junior player in baseball, but opted to make the focus on Australian rules football this year seeing a bigger future in the sport. That is easy to see why when you have the untapped talent that Patton does. She is quick, agile and able to compete both in the marking contests and at ground level. A natural forward with great craft inside 50, she can be a nightmare for opposition defenders with the way she moves and gets into space. Her consistency is not quite there all the time, but as she showed in the AFLW Academy’s big win over the Under 23 All-Stars in April, she has the ability to match it with the best. That day she kicked a goal from 12 touches, four marks and three inside 50s, but it was her impact-per-possession that really stood out. Patton’s ability to make spectators sit up and take notice each time she wins it is a skill in itself. Her aerial ability is a highlight, but when she can size up the options going inside 50, she exhibits that touch of brilliance.

Patton averaged 13.3 disposals, 2.0 marks, 2.3 tackles and 1.7 inside 50s at Coates Talent League Girls level, while kicking three goals across her last two games. She is not a high production player and is still further developing elements of her game, but it is hard to deny the talent is there, and her class has shone over the last 18 months.

PREVIOUS RANK: #23

LAST MONTH:

Patton had a mixed bag at champs but showed off a potential half-back role during the Allies’ win over Queensland. On that day, Patton had 16 touches and four rebound 50s, and then back up the other end had 12 disposals and three inside 50s. Limited opportunities against Vic Metro in game one made it tough, but the class and with ball in hand when she wins it is evident.

CLASSY RISER

Mia Salisbury was another player right on the cusp of being in the last top 30, and after a really solid championships for Queensland, earned her place. Salisbury is a Gold Coast Suns Academy tied player, and one who has benefited from a move into the midfield after playing as a defender through her bottom-age campaign. She usually makes time stop, has good vision and usually executes well by foot, showing that touch of class that clubs love. For the Gold Coast Suns Academy, Salisbury averaged 22.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 4.0 tackles, 3.3 inside 50s and 2.0 rebound 50s from her four games, but her improvement from game-to-game was perhaps the most impressive element. Her disposal tallies in chronilogical order read 15, 22, 25 and 29, while her aerial ability and transition between the arcs remained consistent.

Salisbury played as that medium defender last season, but is a through and through midfielder based off her form in 2024. Her traits would lend themselves to a wing role as well, and her athletic base as evidenced by her preseason testing with her speed and agility, is also impressive.

JUNE RANK: Unranked

PREVIOUS MONTH:

Salisbury’s national championships went well, averaging 20.0 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4.3 tackles, 3.7 clearances and 3.3 inside 50s, really stepping up through the middle. While the Maroons were missing some quality players, Salisbury showed both offensive and defensive traits, and the form from her Suns Academy matches reflected in the state representation. Has further improvement but really moved up based off her champs form.

TOUGH AS NAILS

Glenelg midfielder Violet Patterson’s competitiveness is unrivalled, with her pound-for-pound tackling pressure almost making the spectator feel sore watching her crunch opponents into the turf. But Patterson is far more diverse than just defensively, with her ability to play both inside and outside, and hold a good line wherever she slots in. Capable overhead, Patterson also has that quick few steps to get out of congestion or break the lines, and as she fins space well, she can win it and take off, kicking down the ground. In the past, Patterson has lacked consistency, but in 2024, the potential Collingwood father-daughter had three consecutive matches of 25 disposals, and hit 20-plus on a further three occasions. Her tackling numbers are out of this world considering she is playing in a senior competition, but it underpins her game style and what she could add to a club. As a club-tied talent to the Magpies, no doubt Collingwood has been keeping a close eye on her this season.

Patterson averaged 18.5 disposals, 2.3 marks, 7.8 tackles, 3.8 clearances and 3.2 inside 50s so far in the SANFLW season, returning to the side on the weekend after missing due to the Under 21 All-Stars representation and having overcome a hand injury that saw her miss a few weeks a month ago. All in all, Patterson has some developable traits and the Magpies will have first access to her if they choose to go down that route.

PREVIOUS RANK: #29

LAST MONTH:

Patterson was named skipper of the South Australian side which is a huge honour considering the talent and potential leaders within that group. Always putting her body on the line and backing herself, Patterson was consistent across four quarters for the Croweaters in the huge win over the Allies. She finished with 20 touches, three marks, three tackles, four clearances and three inside 50s, though would love to have her attempt on goal in the final seconds again just not connecting right. Overall was very combative at the coalface.

DUAL POSITION DANGER

Grace Belloni has been one of the big improvers in the 2024 season, going from a strong marking forward who pinch-hit in the midfield last year, to being a fully fledged midfielder who could drift forward and still impact the scoreboard. A first and second possession winner, Belloni is not afraid to put her body on the line and dish it out, but can also run past for handball receives and thump the ball down the ground. While able to further tidy up her execution, her clearance work and understanding of the game both around stoppages and inside 50 is very strong. She will take contested pack marks, convert set shot goals and then go into the middle and win a critical clearance. Belloni is a case of her numbers and impact per game is too good to turn down, and deserving of a spot inside the top 30 having been on the cusp last time.

Up to Round 15, Belloni has averaged 25.2 disposals, 3.3 marks, 3.8 tackles and 4.5 inside 50s, while kicking eight goals from 11 games. Her midfield craft has been superb this year and her lowest disposal tally was back in Round 2 with 19. Just has not put a foot wrong all season.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Belloni burst onto the representative scene with a jaw-dropping 23-disposal, eight-mark and four-goal performance for Vic Metro against the Allies. She worked well within the forward 50 alongside McDonald and Brisbane, then kicked two goals from 11 touches, five marks and four inside 50s against Vic Country. Belloni is coming off back-to-back 29-disposal games for the Ranges, including kicking three on the weekend and earning our Player of the Week.

NATURAL TALENT

Another member of the GWS Giants Academy, Hall is a player who was denied a bottom-age season last year after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the preseason. A crucial talent who has played off half-back but can play just about anywhere, Hall won the Under 16 Championship MVP in 2022 for the Giants and showed off a mix of aerial ability and elite kicking. She has a penetrating, long kick and is able to compete with anyone on-on-one, also representing the Murray Bushrangers for the first time this season on the weekend. Against Tasmania Devils, Hall clunked seven marks, laid nine tackles and had a massive 31 disposals and five inside 50s, proving a key mover for the Bushies. Hall has had limited exposure compared to other players in the draft crop, but at her size  – 174cm – and natural footballing abilities, she has enormous potential to get better. If she can stay healthy, she is a top 20 player in the making.

Hall had to overcome the disappointment of missing last season, but turned up at the Giants Academy Preseason Testing Day and blitzed the yo-yo test in her first testing day coming off the ACL injury. Has successfully got through the AFLW Under 18 Championships and then returned to the Bushrangers with great success.

PREVIOUS RANK: #25

LAST MONTH:

Hall played as a tall defender for the Allies, averaging 15.3 disposals per game, as well as 4.3 marks and 4.3 rebound 50s. Though often under siege – at least in two big defeats – she showed off her nice aerial prowess and long kicking ability. Not necessarily the strongest one-on-one defender, Hall is better to be an interceptor, or even a tall midfielder which she went back to at the Bushrangers and collected 31 touches on the weekend.

TERRITORY TALENT

Tatyana Perry has accomplished a lot despite only being a top-ager this year. Already co-captain of Palmerston Magpies’ NTFL Women’s side, Perry is the sole Northern Territory representative in the AFLW Academy, and has shown over the last two seasons why she is so highly touted. While other Territory prospects might have gone higher in drafts than Perry will, there is a big case to suggest she is possibly the most readymade and still possessing the highest upside of the lot. She is classy with ball-in-hand, and while not as explosive as others, has that ability to slow down time and make good decisions. She sums up the situation well, is able to compete aerially, then can get her hands dirty when required. Having predominantly played off half-back for both the NT Academy and AFLW Academy this year, Perry is also a skilful midfielder, but her decision making and ball use is most effective coming off the defensive line. Another who might not be a high production player, but makes the most of when she has it.

In her two games for the Northern Territory Academy, Perry had 18 and 17 disposals, as well as laying five and eight tackles in wet conditions. She is so clean at ground level it stands out well above most others, and given her first game against the Western Jets was in torrential rain, it was even more noticeable.

PREVIOUS RANK: #26

LAST MONTH:

Another player who has hardly put a foot wrong, but slides down the order due to the squeeze of others stepping up. It won’t matter as she is still far and away the top Northern Territory prospect and in most years would be pushing, if not in, the top 20. Perry averaged 11.7 disposals and 2.3 marks per game for the Allies, and then to add another team to the CV, fronted up for Oakleigh on the weekend too.

OUTSIDE-RUNNING SWAN

Sydney Swans Academy’s sole AFLW Academy member Emma Juneja has come on in leaps and bounds this year. She showed some raw potential in 2023, but has lived up to her inclusion in the Academy with some strong form at Coates Talent League Girls action. At 172cm, Juneja is a good size for a wing, and in her first two matches for the red and white in particular, she averaged 18 disposals and seven marks, the latter being a key element of her game. She is so strong overhead and can match it with just about anyone, while having that explosive speed to run off and kick forward. With time and space she uses the ball well, and while under pressure she can still tighten up her efficiency, has become comfortable in her role on the outside. Though not the biggest ball-winner going around, Juneja holds her line well and her running can often go unrewarded, but is usually capable of winning the handball receive or mark in space and look to open up the game with her kicking. It will be fascinating to see how she performs for the Allies, with her AFLW Academy game recently promising, but ending with an ankle injury.

Juneja makes it three New South Wales prospects in the top 35, and the first out of the Swans Academy. She does well when pushing forward to be able to hit the scoreboard, and a third of her touches come from marks. Also able to bring the defensive pressure, while not the finished product just yet, she is promising.

PREVIOUS RANK: #26

LAST MONTH:

Juneja played two impressive AFLW Under 18 Championships matches and one quieter one, funnily enough better in the losses than the win. She is a naturally defensive wing, but can attack too, as she showed by kicking a goal in the win. Has had a really consistent year for the Swans this season.

DUAL-SIDED STAR

Playing alongside the potential number one pick in Ash Centra can have its challenges to standout, but Jasmine Sowden has done a great job in doing just that. Emerging as a genuine AFLW Draft prospect in her own right, Sowden has being among the top three Power players in just about every game she has played this year, and quite often right there alongside Centra. Her standout qualities include her dual-sidedness, able to exit a stoppage and dispose of the ball off her right or left foot, as well as her tackling pressure. She has always been a phenomenal defensive player, but after showing promising signs as an offensive one, Sowden has had 20-plus disposals in six of her eight games this season for an average of 23.3 disposals. An underrated element of her game is her strength overhead, which she has shown to do consistently both through midfield and attack, working hard contest-to-contest. While at times she can tend to do too much with ball-in-hand, she has a lot of eye-catching traits particularly forward of centre.

In 2024, along with 21.1 disposals, Sowden is averaging 3.8 marks, 6.3 tackles, 3.4 inside 50s and 1.9 rebound 50s. She has the traits to complement many midfields, particularly with her ability to use both sides of her body and still hit targets while running in transition.

PREVIOUS RANK: #28

LAST MONTH:

Sowden has mixed her time between Vic Country and Gippsland Power over the last month, and spent more time playing forward to further add that element to her game. She has kicked a goal in each of her past three games for the Power, but has so far had quieter outings for Vic Country, averaging 9.0 disposals, 1.5 marks and 5.0 tackles.

PENETRATING LEFT FOOT

Millie Lang is another player who will likely divide opinions and could end up going higher if a club requires a rock solid intercept defender. She is slightly down the pecking order compared to some of the other intercept defenders on this list purely because she does not quite have the athleticism that they have. However, she is every bit as strong, and with interest – hard to beat in one-on-one contests and boasting velcro-like hands. She did trial in the midfield this season, but is a far more impactful defender, with her footy smarts and rebounding ability key to her profile. Lang has the potential to be the tall that can both lock down on opposition forwards, or be that loose player who intercepts and sends a long ball out of defence. Her left foot is a damaging proposition, and while under pressure she can tend to throw it on the boot a bit more, her ability to kick long and clear the danger is important. She is also not one-sided, able to at least use her right side to a satisfactory standard, which is rare for left-footers. A point of difference when it comes to tall backs with her strength and readymade power.

Lang has already stepped up to senior level for Geelong’s VFLW side where she held her own against senior opponents. For the Rebels this season, Lang has only dipped below 20 touches once, seeing plenty of the ball and taking four or more marks on six occasions, averaging 3.5 for the season, as well as 5.7 rebound 50s.

PREVIOUS RANK: #21

LAST MONTH:

One who has dropped down the order a bit, but largely through a combination of others really impressing at the national championships and Lang not being able to showcase her best form. Her first game against Queensland was solid, was a late withdrawal against Vic Metro, and though she has maintained her ball-winning ways in the Talent League, hasn’t taken a mark in the past fortnight there. She did kick her first goal, but had her lowest disposal tally of the season with 16. Still one of the best intercept defenders in the draft crop.

NEED FOR SPEED

Nyalli Milne is another player added to the countdown, having returned from injury to have an impact at the national carnival. One right on the cusp of the top 30 the first time around, she has shown promising signs playing off a wing for the Maroons. Competitive and courageous in the air, Milne can impact flying high as well as she can taking grass, and her ability to find more of the ball in a new role has been ultra impressive. Always boasting the natural talent inside 50, she has shown she is capable of playing further afield, and her traits could even lend themselves to a role off half-back. While her composure at speed is an area that could further develop, her top speed is as quick as anyone going around. If Milne gets goalside, it is pretty much goodnight to any chasing defender, and she has the foundational athletic base to only get better.

Having ticked off a couple of positions now, Milne heads into QAFLW finals as her next big challenge. While at times her season has been injury interrupted, she has made up for lost time of late and was one of better half-dozen players for the Maroons in the carnival.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Across a consistent three-game stint at the national carnival, Milne averaged 14.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 2.7 tackles and 3.7 inside 50s, running hard between the arcs. One of the better specialist wins for the carnival thus far, she did her draft chances no harm with her performances.

BIG IMPROVER

One of a number of South Australians who would be in AFLW Draft contention, Martin is a player who has come on in leaps and bounds in her top-age season.The Woodville-West Torrens midfielder has added layers to her game in 2024, going from a split midfielder-forward to a complete utility who also spent time off half-back for the Eagles. What has always stood out about Martin’s game has been her natural footballing ability such as her kicking and decision making, while not being afraid to put her body on the line. Over the off-season, Martin’s work on her speed paid dividends and she noticeably looks quicker around the ground and particularly out of the stoppage, which was previously a knock on her game. While not the complete player yet, she has catapulted herself ahead of quite a few on sheer work rate and improvement over time.

Across her 11 SANFLW matches this season, Martin averaged 16.5 disposals, 1.6 marks, 5.2 tackles, 3.5 clearances, 3.7 inside 50s, 1.6 rebound 50s and kicked a couple of goals. A really balanced player across the board and deserving of a top 40 spot.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Since wrapping up her SANFLW season back in June, Martin has also had the chance to represent the Under 21 All-Stars against the AFLW Academy. In that game, Martin held her own and finished with 17 disposals, two marks, two tackles, three clearances and two inside 50s, running at 50 per cent and having an equal match-high seven ground ball gets. She also ran out for South Australia against the Allies and had another 17 disposals, three inside 50s and five rebound 50s coming off half-back.

POWERFUL PROSPECT

Northern Knights’ Zoe Hargreaves is the older of two sisters with younger sibling Phoebe also plying her trade for the Knights. Zoe is a powerful midfielder who has also spent time both forward and back, able to use her quick first few steps and strength to win one-on-one contests in the air or at ground level. Hargreaves is a player who has areas of her game that can continue to refine, but in terms of her foundational traits, she really stands out. In a stacked Vic Metro midfield, Hargreaves illustrated that on-ball is her best position, holding her own alongside the likes of Grieves and McKay. At the Knights, Hargreaves is the number one midfielder and at her best can dictate the play from the middle to get it forward, but also has the flexibility to rest forward and clunk a contested mark, or go back and provide some run.

Hargreaves has upside which is another reason why she features on the list, with her burst and strength key attributes of a tall midfielder. Though she has been thrown around a bit into different positions over the last two years, she looked ultra-confident through the middle for Metro.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Hargreaves had a huge game for Metro against Vic Country, picking up an equal team-high seven clearances, as well as 25 touches, five marks, seven tackles and four inside 50s to be among the best on the winning side. Against the Allies, Hargreaves only had the 10 touches, three tackles and six rebound 50s, but it was understandable as she played in defence in a 94-point win. Her Talent League form has also been very good of late, earning a couple of best on grounds to be in contention for our Rookie Me Central Medal.

Taya Chambers earns a spot inside our Top 40 off the back of a consistent WAFLW season and high upside for the future. The talented tall defender is ultra-athletic and can just about do it all for a 174cm player. She is quick, agile and can jump high to compete well one-on-one, with her marking capability strong and her use by foot usually reliable, particularly with time and space. She does not waste her disposals much, and looms as one of the better two-way defenders in the draft crop. A naturally gifted athlete with a competitive nature and able to read the ball in flight from defence, Chambers has also spent time on a wing and has that extra string to her bow.

In the 2024 WAFLW season, Chambers averaged 10.6 disposals, 2.6 marks and 2.1 tackles, holding down a key role in the East Fremantle defence as the Sharks went all the way to the grand final.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Chambers finished off her WAFLW campaign with a tough loss to Claremont in the grand final, but she was one of the best in defence, clunking four marks from 13 disposals. Returning to Pentanet Stadium for the first AFLW Under 18 Championships match on the weekend, Chambers was terrific in a loss, managing 10 touches, six marks and five tackles, running at 90 per cent disposal efficiency.

OUT BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Sometimes when long-term injuries strike, players can be put to the side and somewhat forgotten compared to those constantly in action. However in the case of bottom-age All-Australian Jemma Charity, it is impossible not to mention her in top 40 contention. A move from Woodville-West Torrens to North Adelaide was set for Charity to spend more time through the middle – while playing at both ends – but unfortunately a tragic knee injury ended her top-age season. Aside from the game she was injured in the opening term, Charity averaged 15.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 4.5 tackles and 3.0 rebound 50s, spending time playing in defence where she had for South Australia.

A well-rounded valuable utility, Charity is a penetrating and reliable kick, and ran at a high efficiency last national carnival and was often tasked with the kickouts or being the distributor to turn defence into offence. In her double bottom-age year, Charity was named in the Under 18s squad but ultimately didn’t play, instead playing in the Under 16s Championships where she dominated and won MVP.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Unfortunately for Charity, there won’t be an update on-field, with the talented utility recovering from a combination of ACL and PCL tears sustained in Round 3 of the SANFLW season.

Yet another player who is unfortunately sidelined due to injury, the versatile Talbot missed her top-age AFLW Under 18 Championships with an ankle injury. It was a bitter blow to the forward-turned-defender who had been lighting up the Coates Talent League Girls competition with her form. She had thrived in her new role running off half-back with her speed-endurance mixed highly rated by both Academy and Queensland staff. Talbot is another player who has some great upside from which to develop, and her dedication – in moving away from her home in Cairns to live on the Gold Coast and give herself the best shot at making the AFLW – will be admired by clubs. A quick and smart player, Talbot has the raw foundational base to develop into a variety of positions at the top level.

After a quieter first game against Oakleigh Chargers in the Talent League Girls, Talbot was as consistent as they come in her final three matches, averaging 24.7 disposals, 2.7 marks, 7.3 tackles, 4.0 inside 50s and 2.0 rebound 50s, creating enormous amounts of run from half-back turning defence into offence.

PREVIOUS RANK: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Unfortunately Talbot has been missing from the Queensland side due to her ankle injury, with the timing of the injury and the close proximity of the championships for the Maroons proving a bridge too far. Her preseason testing results – where she impressed across all of the sprints, agility and yo-yo test will hold her in good stead to compliment her Suns Academy form.