The only player likely to push Young for the top spot, Goody has had a remarkable past 18 months. After bursting onto the scene in 2021 as a young gun for the Eagles, Goody took that next step in her development last season and won the AFLW Under 18 Championships MVP in a star-studded South Australian team. Though she largely plays wing for the Eagles at SANFL level, she goes inside for the Croweaters, and has played in defence and attack before, making her the ultimate small utility.

Standing at just 162cm, Goody is not tall, but she packs a punch, with her tackling pressure, incredible aerial ability and work rate standing out. She was best-on against Western Australia in the opening match of the 2023 national carnival, and averaged 16.9 disposals, 4.1 marks, 1.9 clearances, 4.0 inside 50s and 5.0 tackles per game at SANFLW level.

JUNE RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

After her SANFLW season came to and end, Goody slotted into the Australian jumper and ran out on Marvel Stadium. Predominantly playing off half-back, Goody had some classy moments, and though she was down on her usual output, still showed what she could do with ball-in-hand.

Breaking up the South Australian dominance at the top of the Power Rankings is the silky Pisano, who had it not been for an ACL injury last year, would have had a big Under 18 Championships. Luckily the Eastern Ranges star recovered well and has been back kicking goals, always looking dangerous whenever she goes near it. With hauls of four and six goals already this season, Pisano has re-established herself as the top Victorian talent.

Boasting a deadly left foot and a penchant for making the most of her opportunities, the top-age young gun has booted a goal in each of her six games and taken her goal tally up to 19.10 for the season. Considering she has played 22 games over three seasons – and only five last year due to her ACL injury – Pisano has still managed to boot 51 goals, including 19 as a double bottom-ager. In 2023. Pisano is averaging 12.0 disposals, 2.6 marks, 2.4 inside 50s and 2.1 tackles in the Coates Talent League.

JUNE RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

Pisano has played for three different teams in the past month, running out for the AFLW Academy and kicking two goals for Australia, before adding another major in yesterday’s Vic Metro win over the Allies. Even if the left-footer is not kicking goals she finds a way to impress, and draws a quality defender in the process. After two goals against the Western Jets back in Round 9, Pisano slotted three goals against the Cannons in Round 11 being one of the most lively Ranges in the win again.

Entering the year as a promising prospect off a pretty solid bottom-age season, Window blew up the stats sheet in the first two months of the SANFLW season, where she was close to the most damaging player going around. Window not only can get it done in midfield, but can go forward, clunk a contested mark and hit the scoreboard.

Captain of the South Australian team at this year’s national championships, Window has that leadership to add to her footballing ability. The one major improvement coming into the year was her kicking, and Window has made inroads into that area of her game, and while it still needs work, the rest of her overall profile is, at a minimum, well above average. The Glenelg top-ager is so tough to stop, and averaged 20.3 disposals, 3.1 marks, 6.1 clearances, 4.0 inside 50s and 7.9 tackles while booting four goals. She was not as influential in the last month of the SANFLW season, but still found a way to impact at the coalface.

JUNE RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

Since the last rankings, Window has not had a huge amount of football, but won the SANFL Women’s League Best and Fairest for her outstanding 2023 season. Against the Under 23 All-Stars, Window had a quieter game of 11 disposals and just the one mark and one clearance, but has plenty of runs in the bank for her year and is expected to enjoy the break prior to South Australia’s next clash against Vic Metro on Sunday.

The second Victorian player to make the list, and it is another Eastern Ranges talent in Stone. Having cut her teeth as a rebounding defender last season, Stone gained valuable midfield minutes in the back half of 2022, and has taken her game to another level in 2023. With explosive speed to use out of the stoppage and clean skills, Stone is a well-balanced player who could be utilised in a number of positions and do them well.

Stone has been one of the most consistent players in this year’s Coates Talent League and is often the second possession winner at stoppages to burst away and clear the ball down the ground. Though not necessarily an inside midfielder, Stone has become used to being close to the action this year, and cemented herself as one of the top Victorian prospects, taking the next step in her football journey.

JUNE RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

The first player to move up a spot in the AFLW Draft Power Rankings is the Eastern Ranges midfielder, who has impressed both for her club and now State. Though quite playing in defence for the AFLW Academy with just the five disposals, Stone still laid seven tackles showing her intent. She was much more influential for Metro, racking up 17 disposals and taking five marks – three contested – in their win over the Allies.

The hardest player to rank in the 2023 AFLW Draft crop, Barwick is unable to take the field this season after tearing her ACL in preseason. The 159cm midfielder was ranked inside the top five coming into the year, so holds her spot for now, though will unfortunately not get the chance to raise her stocks like her peers. Luckily Barwick has done more than enough to take the next step, with her skill and smarts off the charts, as well as her high-level defensive pressure.

At the Devils in 2022, Barwick averaged 6.2 tackles per game to go with 15.6 disposals, and was more than comfortable burying herself under the pack. She is incredibly competitive and would have been a massive addition to a well-balanced Tasmanian unit, but is taking the time to work on other aspects of her game, including taking up a coaching role with the Devils.

JUNE RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Just moving down the list one spot, Barwick is a quality talent who will unfortunately not take the park in 2023.

After an injury-interrupted preseason due to knee and ankle issues, Brooksby built back into form in the SANFLW season largely playing off half-back and working into the midfield. Even in doing so, she still hit the scoreboard by pushing up the ground and kicking a couple of goals later in the season. In Round 12 and the semi-final of the SANFLW, the Norwood utility had back-to-back best on ground performances, averaging 24.5 disposals and 7.5 rebound 50s in big games.

Brooksby was strong in the first half against Central District as well, picking up 11 of her 14 disposals in that half, while gaining more valuable midfield minutes. An elite kick of the ball, clever and dual-sided, Brooksby can be one of the most reliable players when up and going, as she showed in last year’s Under 17s Futures match where she was one of the better players on the field playing in her preferred on-ball role.

JUNE RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

Since finishing up her SANFLW season, Brooksby ran out for the AFLW Academy and produced an outstanding effort, picking up 16 disposals on the outside, disposing of it at an elite 81.2 per cent efficiency. An outstanding kick who will only get better with time.

The evasive Central District midfielder has plenty of upside and has come a long way in 2023. Crossing from North Adelaide to the Bulldogs, Grigg recently became a dual premiership player. Boasting elite evasion and speed, as well as high-level defensive pressure, the versatile talent has added some extra strings to her bow to go from being a potential Top 20 prospect to a potential Top 10 talent.

Still not the finished product in terms of what she is capable or producing in the future, Grigg was able to earn more midfield time with the Dogs this year, and play a combination of inside and outside, as well as off a half-forward flank. She had some highs and lows in terms of her performances, but when she was on, she was really able to influence contests. Her defensive pressure – 7.9 tackles – is what stands out each game. She also averaged 15.2 disposals, 1.5 marks, 2.7 clearances and 2.4 inside 50s for the Bulldogs in the 2023 SANFLW season.

JUNE RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Also moving up a spot in this month’s rankings, Grigg ticked off a box with her performance for the AFLW Academy, picking up 18 disposals and having three inside 50s while laying six tackles. What really stood out was her efficiency, running at  76.9 per cent at just below 50 per cent contested rate.

The second Tasmanian player in the Top 10, Clark is an undersized key forward, but has the traits that make her own the role well. With velcro hands and strong leading patterns, the Devils’ vice-captain is not to be underestimated. She has even rolled into the ruck at times this season despite being just 174cm. Clark has spent time roaming up the ground and getting involved and is not just a pure inside 50 ball-winner.

Early in the season, Clark was on fire with six goals in her first three games, averaging 18 disposals in that period. Since missing a game due to injury and the community break, Clark came back and showed some promising signs, but has been quieter in two of her three games since then. Still, the Tasmanian talent provides a target and at her best is among the top players in the AFLW Draft crop.

JUNE RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Though Clark slipped down a spot in the rankings, it is not so much what she has done, but more the collateral for Grigg moving up a spot. The Tasmanian talent did have a quieter game for the Academy – though she kicked a goal – but worked hard for the Allies yesterday in the loss to Vic Metro. Seemingly one who will venture more up the ground at the national carnival, she is still a highly sought-after prospect.

The AFLW Draft bolter this year, Slocombe is a player who has all the traits to be a very good player in the future, and has not had as much experience as others on this list. Playing a role for Claremont last season in the Tigers’ run to the flag, Slocombe missed a bulk of preseason while she was overseas and coach Jack Schwarze admitted she was close to missing out on Round 1. A strong couple of practice matches later, and she slotted in, and has been enjoying an incredible 2023 season.

Slocombe has the explosive burst and work rate that is critical in getting to repeat contests, and has shown she can play forward, as well as inside or on the wing. She moves well through traffic and has been the most consistent of the WAFLW State Academy members at the level. The key was when she represented Western Australia against the All-Stars and then South Australia, and was one of the Black Ducks’ best on both occasions.

JUNE RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

Unfortunately Slocombe has not played in the past month due to suffering an avulsion fracture in her knee. Though she will miss Claremont’s grand final, the top-ager will return for Western Australia at the national carnival, and holds her place.

The standout ruck remaining in the AFLW Draft crop, the national carnival looms as a big one for the talented and athletic Cleaver. As she saw her peers in Matilda Scholz and Darcie Davies earn spots on AFLW lists, Cleaver remains as the number one ruck in the AFLW Academy. She is not just a pure ruck, and is likely a touch undersized at the top level, which is why she has forged a career as a key forward who can pinch-hit on-ball.

An impressive athlete with a great vertical leap and nice speed for a tall, Cleaver is also forging a netball career having represented Western Australia in that code as well. Hoping to juggle both sports, the East Fremantle tall will draw plenty of interest from AFLW clubs with her ground level work the best of the ruck/forwards in the crop. Having played six games this season for the Sharks, Cleaver averages 11 disposals, three marks and 11 hitouts.

JUNE RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

Holding her place at 11th for now, she is the only one of the trio from 10th to 12th who has played in the past month. Representing Australia for the AFLW Academy, she had some nice moments rotating through the ruck. picking up 13 disposals and 11 hitouts. Though she missed the first WAFLW final for East Fremantle, Cleaver has also been prolific there with a goal in each of her two June games, averaging 16 disposals and 18.5 hitouts.

Unfortunately for Weston-Turner, 2023 has not had the ideal start, going down with injury and only playing the two games. Against Tasmania Devils in Round 3, Weston-Turner caught the eye with 15 disposals, three marks, five tackles, five inside 50s, before not being able to influence as much in the wet against Calder Cannons. But when it comes to the Western Jets tall, clubs are not picking her on the now, but what she could become in the future.

Arguably boasting the highest ceiling of those in the later first round, Weston-Turner is a 178cm forward with explosive speed and just as capable at ground level as she is on the lead. Famously booting a goal from the centre circle at Mars Stadium, Weston-Turner does have a booming kick, and can burn off opponents with ease. Able to do the incredible on her day, she has X-factor in spades and if she can live up to her potential, she will be a very good player in the future.

JUNE RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Another player hard to judge at this stage, Weston-Turner is still recovering from the broken wrist she sustained earlier in the year but is nearing a return.

South Adelaide midfielder Boileau is another draft bolter this season, coming off a remarkable 2023 SANFLW campaign that still has one more match left in it. Last season, the predominant big-bodied forward missed out on a spot in the stacked State Academy, and went back to work on her craft increase her production rate and move into the midfield. After a huge preseason, Boileau came out as a locked in member of the Panthers midfield and has hardly put a foot wrong.

Only missing two games – one due to State Academy duties and the other due to a foot injury – Boileau has averaged 18.0 disposals, 3.1 marks, 4.3 clearances, 7.2 tackles and 2.2 inside 50s and her sole goal was the only one in a low-scoring tussle against the Eagles in Round 7. Consistency is key, and Boileau has not had lower than 16 disposal all year, with 21 being her peak, but her tackling and clearances have also been consistent, and she can work to the outside as well.

JUNE RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Boileau earned SANFLW Team of the Year honours for her consistent season, and was one of the best in South Adelaide’s heartbreaking loss to Central District in the SANFLW Grand Final. In that game, Boileau had 16 disposals, five clearances, three inside 50s and laid 11 tackles. She then stood up in the absence of her AFLW Academy teammates for the SANFLW showcase against the Under 23s, booting two goals and being a standout in the first half for the Under 18s. She makes the biggest jump of the existing players, moving up four spots.

McMullen has started out as a wing and is more likely to slot into that position at the top level as Queensland’s top prospect for 2023. She has the running capacity and the speed that catches the eye, and though she can often get herself into trouble by taking the game on, it is an appealing aspect to AFLW clubs. McMullen had a very impressive Under 17s Futures match last year, showing she can match it with the best of her peer group.

In 2023, McMullen has had some interruptions, only recently playing her first Suns Academy game in the Talent League yesterday after missing the first couple. She showed those moments of brilliance at times, but is still building that four-quarter consistency. A more pure outside player compared to others in the Top 20, McMullen still applies defensive pressure and is not afraid to get her hands dirty when required as she showed in her bottom-age year for the Suns and Queensland.

JUNE RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

McMullen’s month started with her first Talent League girls match, where she was relatively quiet with six touches, two marks and two tackles against the Oakleigh Chargers, but still showed dare and dash on a wing. She then fronted up for the AFLW Academy where she was far more influential, managing 18 disposals, three marks, six tackles, two clearances and two inside 50s, but only kicking at 50 per cent efficiency. McMullen snuck in a third game for Bond University in its win over Southport.

The first of six new entries into the AFLW Draft Power Rankings, Buttifant is a unique prospect. One of the more athletic talls in the draft pool, she is a dual sport athlete who also plays touch football. It enables the 174cm defender to have outstanding speed that she looks to utilise on every possible occasion. Not afraid to tuck the ball under her arm, Buttifant is one for the future once she is able to develop her craft further in what is ultimately her first season of Aussie rules.

Despite her lack of time in an elite program, Buttifant has smart game sense and gets into the right positions behind the ball to intercept. Though at times her decision making and skill execution are hit and miss, that will come with time and her rare athleticism makes her a unique prospect. Still limited exposure compared to others, she is one with ability that will attract club interest outside the GIANTS Academy.

JUNE RANKING: New inclusion

LAST MONTH:

Buttifant returned to the field on the weekend for the first time at an elite junior level since impressing for the GIANTS Academy at the start of the Coates Talent League Girls season. She turned out for the Allies and had 13 disposals, two marks, five inside 50s and two rebound 50s playing aggressively off half-back. She only ran at 50 per cent kicking efficiency – with 12 of her 13 disposals being kicks – but her metres gained is where she does the most damage.

The Peel Thunder midfielder took her game to another level in the Under 17s Futures match last season, earning best afield for her side to announce herself as a top-end AFLW Draft prospect. In 2023, Srhoj has had an injury-interrupted season, copping a concussion early in the year with a clash in Round 1 of the WAFLW, and she took a little while to get back to full fitness. Upon return, she worked her way back to her best, and has built up some form over the past month.

Srhoj had her best game of the season last week in Round 12 against South Fremantle, picking up 20 disposals, six marks and five tackles building on a strong performance from the week before against West Perth. Also solid against South Australia at the AFLW Under 18 Championships, Srhoj’s best is Top 10 quality, it is just about the consistency of maintaining that ability. The top-age young gun has the size and traits to even be the first off the board in the West Australian pool, and realistically is not too far off the top few on her day.

JUNE RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

A player who has seen plenty of footy action over the past month, Srhoj has suited up for Peel Thunder and the AFLW Academy. In the match at Marvel Stadium, the West Australian had 14 disposals, five marks and two inside 50s, but looked to use it more by hand with the 10 handballs. That trend continued in her final WAFLW game of the season, rotating back into midfield for Peel and having 14 disposals but just one kick. Her best is unbelievable quality, and the national carnival will be the place to show it.

Another new inclusion to the lineup, Grunden makes her debut in the AFLW Draft Power Rankings at number 16. The Calder top-ager has been a draft bolter this season coming into the Cannons program and is a player with some outstanding traits. She catches the eye with her ability both in the air and at ground level, with clean and and slick skill that sets her apart.

Her defensive pressure is also a facet of her game that stands up to the litmus test, averaging 5.0 tackles per game to go with 13.6 disposals, 2.1 marks and 3.4 inside 50s. Rotating between midfield and attack, Grunden has far more impact as that half-forward. More of an upside type, Grunden’s influence is outside the stats sheet, usually making things happen with her movement and disposal.

JUNE RANKING: New inclusion

LAST MONTH:

Playing for the Under 23 All-Stars against the AFLW Academy, Grunden had nine disposal, and two inside 50s but showed some promising signs in that match against the best. Playing for Vic Metro against the Allies, Grunden recorded eight disposals and 1.2 while showing some class. In her most recent Talent League match, she kicked 2.1 from 17 disposals and five marks to be the standout for the Cannons.

Williamson is one of those players who has all the pieces to be a very good footballer, and it is a case of just putting it all together. Her explosive speed, evasion and endurance make her a player that can run and run all day long. Starting her career as a half-back and then progressing to a wing, Williamson finds space well and takes off, looking to hit the ground running. After missing Round 1 due to injury, Williamson was a little slow to start the 2023 season, but over the last few rounds – either side of the community break – and particularly after it, the Stingrays talent has found some nice form.

Her kicking efficiency is developing which is the next step, and she is starting to clunk those marks she was dropping early in the season. Since Round 4, she has taking five or six marks in three of her five matches and looking more confident when having to compete aerially. She is not afraid to crack in as well at times, and though she is predominantly an outside player, has the traits to play inside.

JUNE RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Williamson is gaining the consistency in her performances that perhaps lacked a touch earlier in the season and moves up a spot in the rankings. What she has improved on in the past month has been lowering her eyes going forward in transition and hitting those passes inside 50 in front of her teammates to lead into. For the AFLW Academy, Williamson had 26 disposals and four clearances playing midfield, and then in her most recent match for the Stingrays, collected 25 disposals, eight tackles, five inside 50s and three rebound 50s.

Another new inclusion to the AFLW Draft Power Rankings, Peters is the top pick for the Brisbane Lions Academy this season. She is a member of the AFLW Academy and though not a high production player, is one who can play a multitude of roles and generally use it well. Still a developing talent, Peters has shown she can stand up on the big stage, and is generally a winger who can roll inside and have an influence around the stoppages.

Peters is a player who generally uses the ball well even if she does not find a heap of it. With her inside and outside ability, the Lions Academy midfielder is one who really came to the fore during the AFLW Academy match against the Under 23 All-Stars. Though she could still be a touch cleaner at ground level, she is generally a strong decision maker be it in space or under pressure.

JUNE RANKING: New inclusion

LAST MONTH:

Peters was an eye-catcher for the AFLW Academy, winning 13 disposals and taking five marks against the Under 23s. She ran at 76.9 per cent efficiency in that match, and really stepped up with and against quality company. One who will be closely monitored by Lions fans over the national carnival.

Keck is a naturally-gifted midfielder/forward who will likely play the latter role at the top level. She has the defensive pressure as well as the natural footy smarts to adapt, and definitely knows where the goals are. In 2022, Keck booted seven goals from 10 games, gradually moving into the midfield in her bottom-age year after showing promising early signs as a 16-year-old in 2021. Her progression into a midfielder who rotates forward in 2023 has shown she can play both roles effectively.

Though Keck has missed a couple of games due to injury of late, she has kept herself busy coaching and developing herself off-field having also been awarded the Bendigo captaincy this year. Her defensive pressure is one of the best in the Top 20 as is her goal sense. Though Bendigo has largely struggled in terms of results, Keck is a player who can influence a game not just individually, but setting up teammates for scoring opportunities.

JUNE RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Over the last two months Keck has not had a lot of luck with injury, only managing the one game for Bendigo Pioneers where she was injured late in the first term before registering a disposal. She caught the eye for the AFLW Academy, booting a goal from 16 disposals to go with three clearances, pushing up to have a stint on a wing as well. Keck is just a natural small forward.

After suffering a broken leg last year, Rentsch had a delayed start to her preseason and spent more time off half-back than through the middle where she would ideally move to in her top-age year. Now having regained the fitness she has lost since, the GWV Rebels speedster has gradually moved into that midfield role and is getting her hands on the ball more. On the weekend, Rentsch had a season-high 18 touches against Gippsland Power and was among her side’s best yet again.

One of the most agile and explosive players in the draft crop, Rentsch’s game screams upside, and the fact she has retained that speed after overcoming such a serious leg injury is impressive. She still has areas to work on such as the final execution and tempering expectations as she can tend to get caught a bit, but she can equally dish it out with great run-down tackles. In season 2023, Rentsch has averaged 13.9 disposals and 6.4 tackles, and since moving into the midfield more in the past three weeks, has averaged 15.3 disposals and 11.3 tackles, as well as 4.7 inside 50s.

JUNE RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

Though Rentsch drops six spots, it is more about others just moving ahead of her rather than her doing too much wrong. She was relatively quiet in the AFLW Academy’s loss to the Under 23s with seven touches and three rebound 50s, not having the same impact she has had at Coates Talent League level. She was impressive back in Rebels colours against the Stingrays, picking up 19 disposals and having six rebound 50s.

O’Rourke is a player who has all the pieces to be a very good player, and is starting to put them together in her top-age year. Standing at 176cm, O’Rourke has largely been among the best Pioneers in each of her side’s games, and until the weekend’s heavy loss to Dandenong, had hit the scoreboard in each one. Able to be a threat aerially, as well as play midfield or forward, O’Rourke has that explosive speed out of the blocks and a high upside for the future.

In 2023, O’Rourke has averaged 15.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 4,4 inside 50s and booted 6.1, with a lot of her goals coming from long-range on the run. She does have a booming kick and a long stride able to create separation on her opponents, and is rated highly internally by the Pioneers for her work within the group. Her defensive game is still one that is developing though she laid a career-high five tackles back in Round 9 – and her endurance has a long way to go – but her bursts allow her to impact games.

JUNE RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Only dropping a couple of spots due to impressive performances from others, O’Rourke still has the capacity to rise steadily as she continues to build some nice mid-season form for the Pioneers. Breaking out with a career-high 24 disposals against Oakleigh Chargers in Round 11, O’Rourke had 15 disposals, five marks and six inside 50s against the Murray Bushrangers on the weekend. She caught the eye in her Vic Country trial game, and had eight disposals and three marks for the Under 23s against the AFLW Academy.

The Geelong Falcons skipper is one of those players who ticks a lot of boxes, and is an ultra-consistent performer. Utilised through the midfield, Adams is able to drop back behind the ball, and then also go forward and set up plays there. A naturally defensive player, Adams is someone who will put her body on the line to win a one-on-one both in the air and at ground level, and hardly plays a bad game.

She earned Under 23 All-Stars representation for her form at Talent League level, and is a player who coaches can rely on to get the job done. While teammate Sara Howley may take the plaudits a lot of the time, Adams plays a critical role on both the inside and outside, and makes her team looks better. She is also a dual-sided athlete who makes good decisions with ball-in-hand.

JUNE RANKING: New inclusion

LAST MONTH:

Adams’ inclusion into the Power Rankings comes off the back of a greater impact forward of centre over the past month. The 167cm talent has had back-to-back games of 25 touches at Coates Talent League action after 31 touches against Northern Territory. She is yet to dip below 20 disposals, but her performance in the Under 23s vs AFLW Academy game – where she had six disposals and three clearances in the opening term – as well as kicked a goal – is what really caught the eye.

Rigoni is the sole over-age player in this AFLW Draft Power Rankings and enters off some eye-catching form for the Under 23 All-Stars and Vic Metro across the month of June. She is the daughter of Guy, who played 107 games for Melbourne. It makes her eligible for the Demons and one who has plenty of upside should they – or any other side – choose to draft her.

Though Rigoni is an over-ager who was overlooked, she missed 2022 through an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, after playing at both ends for Oakleigh Chargers. Now settled as a rebounding defender, Rigoni has the athleticism and dare that catches the eye. She is not afraid to take multiple bounces down a wing and move the ball forward in transition. She has areas such as decision making to improve on, but is a natural athlete with some serious highlights.

JUNE RANKING: New inclusion

LAST MONTH:

Rigoni turned out for the Under 23 All-Stars and collected 10 disposals in a solid all-round games that also featured a couple of nice running plays. Then against the Allies, Rigoni was among the more influential Vic Metro defenders, bursting away off half-back on a couple of occasions, and finishing with 13 disposals, albeit with 10 handballs. She is the fifth new inclusion off her upside and greater consistency of late.

It is always tricky to pick the final player in the rankings, regardless of the number of players, but on this occasion, it will be GWV Rebels’ Lily Jordan. The small forward has done enough this year to suggest she has come along in leaps and bounds and is capable of taking the next step. As a bottom-ager, Jordan showed promising signs but was inconsistent, something she has worked on this year.

Bursting out of the blocks early in 2023, Jordan slotted 10 goals in three games to be the leading goalkicker at that point in time. Since then she has only kicked the one goal for the Falcons, but instead focused her attention on defensive pressure, laying 27 tackles in the next three weeks. What stands out about Jordan is her clean hands at ground level, competitive nature around the ball and has effective skills with ball-in-hand.

JUNE RANKING: New inclusion

LAST MONTH:

Jordan played one Talent League game with 10 disposals and four inside 50s against the Stingrays, but was far more effective for the Under 23s. Against the AFLW Academy, Jordan had 13 disposals – nine contested – four inside 50s and booted a goal, while setting up others. She can be an offensive or defensive forward, and has upside with the potential to further improve her game.