RUCK OR ROVER?

The fourth of the Davies sisters in line to reach the top level, Georja has come with massive wraps as the one likely to go the highest in the draft of the quartet. Now that clubs are able to place bids at certain picks, expect that to be the case. Though she started out as a key forward, Davies is a 185cm ruck/midfielder who can go into centre bounces and play either role really effectively.

Strengths:

Athleticism is what stands out for Davies, with a huge vertical leap and outstanding speed for a player of her size. Davies has the traits to play anywhere on the ground, though through the middle is where she has settled of late. From a skills perspective, she has a lovely kick which can hit targets with low bullets, a real point of difference considering her height.

Question marks?

While Davies is known to take the ball out of the ruck and has the smarts to compete around the ground, she is still developing that stoppage craft as a midfielder. She wins midfielder-like numbers, but more of those come from around the ground as a target or in transition than necessarily at the stoppage when acting as an onballer.

Last month: #2

Davies has averaged 20 disposals, four marks, nine hitouts and seven rebound 50s largely playing as a rebounding defender at the national championships. However thrown forward in the last minute against Western Australia, the Southport prospect booted the winning goal as her moment of the championships.

>> Feature: Georja Davies

DUAL-SIDED DANGER

An incredibly gifted footballer and a standout from the Victorian crop given both her current output and upside, Bown has been an eye-catcher over the past two and a half seasons. She earned a place with Vic Metro as a bottom-ager and has been a member of the title-winning Chargers’ outfit. Over her time at the Chargers, she has progressed as a forward into a tall midfielder.

Strengths:

Bown is tall at 173cm and unlike many other peers, can use both sides of her body. It is easy to think the right-footer is actually left-footed considering the natural look when she has to swing onto her opposite side. Add in her penetrating kick, footy IQ, incredible strength overhead and great decision making, and Bown is a really well-rounded prospect.

Question marks?

While her kicks are penetrating, Bown is one who can further refine her kicking to be more precise. She is great for distance and she has the smarts to put them into the right areas, but further refinement to really nail those passes over different distances will further enhance her game.

Last month: #3

Bown is a ball magnet and has been racking it up on the national stage, averaging 25 touches and six clearances per game across Vic Metro’s first three matches. Her carnival will end this weekend against Vic Country, but is clearly in the frame (along with most of these top prospects) for All-Australian honours.

>> Feature: Chloe Bown

FORWARD FORCE

Similar to Usher and Davies, Baron is one who has been talked up for some time out of the Suns Academy and offers a different look to them as well. More of a full-forward who can also ruck, Baron provides a presence inside 50 and won the QAFLW Rising Star Award last season for her year with Southport. Such is her highlights package, she also won Mark of the Year in the same competition and has really developed her athleticism over the last couple of years to be a nightmare matchup.

Strengths:

One of, if not the best contested mark in the draft crop, Baron has velcro-like hands that will pull anything down that is in her vicinity. As mentioned, her athleticism has further developed over the last couple of seasons to mean she can breakaway on the lead or win an arm-wrestle, making her a dual threat inside 50. Her set shot goalkicking is another big tick, with a reliable routine that gets the job done.

Question marks?

Her defensive pressure once the ball hits the deck is a work in progress, which is not too much of a surprise for a tall forward. She doesn’t drop it all that often so there usually isn’t need for a follow-up, but her defensive pressure, as well as continuing to develop a greater knack for one-on-ones against opponents who can match her size.

Last month:#4

Baron finally made her return from a long injury layoff  in the 12-point win over Vic Country. Playing forward, she showed her velcro hands were still there, clunking four marks from limited chances, but still looked rusty with a couple of shots spraying wide. Building back with the Sharks at QAFLW level, Baron kicked a couple of majors and was lively in the win over Bond University last weekend.

>> Feature: Dekota Baron

TOUGH AND SKILFUL

A really well-balanced player, McMillan has the hardness you want from any player, but also the skill and poise that few have. Add them together as a combination, and she is a rare prospect. The Eastern Ranges prospect leads by example and is averaging similar numbers to last season, which given she is also spending time in defence, is very good. Was unlucky not to crack into a full member – rather than train-on – in Vic Metro’s Under 18s side last year, but unsurprisingly earned her place in the National Academy for 2025.

Strengths:

McMillan’s balance of strength and skill sets her apart. Usually when winning truckloads of contested ball and bursting out of the stoppage you can turn it over, but the Eastern Ranges small has such great poise she can lower the eyes and hit a target going forward. Her clean hands when she has it, and fierce defensive nature when her opponent has it, all underpins what she offers to a club. One of the most well-rounded players in the draft.

Question marks?

At 161cm, McMillan is a touch below the now average height for an inside midfielder, and she is not a huge goalkicker even when she spent time forward last season. It is an area she can further touch up as every great midfielder hits the scoreboard, but you’re being nit-picky when it comes to question marks as McMillan is really consistent across the board.

Last month: #7

The first player to rise up the order, McMillan has jumped two spots into the top five off the back of a really impressive start to the national carnival. Such a well-balanced prospect, McMillan is averaging 19.8 disposals and 5.0 clearances per game, and just having some big moments within those matches. Has earned a boost in what is an even top-end crop.

>> Feature: Tayla McMillan

BIG GAME PLAYER

Wolmarans boasts some of the highest upside in this year’s AFLW Draft class. An elite athlete who been an eye-catching player for a number of years, she won her side’s MVP at last year’s Under 17 Futures match – Baron won the other team’s best – and has not slowed down since then. She starred for Western Australia up forward from limited opportunities, and has been a huge feature for Subiaco’s WAFLW side in 2025.

Strengths:

Her athleticism and general mobility really comes to the fore in games, where if she doesn’t mark it, then she can burst away and beat smaller opponents at ground level. If the opposition does not have a tall and athletic defender to match up on her, then Wolmarans can do a stack of damage. She also has fantastic work rate for a key forward, and at 181cm has has stints in the ruck as well.

Question marks?

Her hands are very good aerially, but further work on her contested marking – particularly against equally strong opponents – as well as developing her forward craft are what she is focusing on at the moment. The latter has been coming along really nicely as the season has progressed.

Last month: #5

Wolmarans had a wayward day against South Australia and has booted 0.4 across her past two championship matches after a two-goal game in the tight defeat to Queensland. She still presents and is super dangerous both in the air and at ground level, and will be looking to step up in the Sandgropers final match against the Allies.

>> Feature: Olivia Wolmarans

BALL MAGNET

Few players can hold a candle to Baker-West’s sheer volume of ball-winning ways with the small midfielder consistently racking up 30 disposals per game and has incredibly averaged that figure across her past three seasons. One of the rare talents to make her debut as a triple bottom-ager in 2022 – where she played an incredible six games – since then Baker-West has averaged 31.4, 39.5 and now 34.5 disposals per match, along with stuffing the stats sheet across the board. She only managed two games last season due to injury but the two-time Vic Metro Under 16s MVP is fit and firing now.

Strengths:

The ridiculous production that Baker-West churns out every week is simply amazing, and she ticks most boxes. An underrated skill for a player of 165cm is her overhead marking, averaging 6.2 per game. That, along with her tackling and ground coverage – to win multiple possessions within a play – standout. She has the smarts and can use the ball well in transition with great vision going forward. Baker-West has also spent time in each third of the ground as well.

Question marks?

Her goalkicking is an element that can improve with the prospect still booting three majors in six games, but missing a few a player of her quality should nail. That, along with her composure at times under pressure to throw it on the boot and go for distance are ways she can refine her game, given she can be such a damaging kick turning defence into offence.

Last month: #6

Baker-West returned from injury with a stat-stuffing 44 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and 13 rebound 50s performance for Calder Cannons in a defeat to Sandringham Dragons. Scheduled to make her championships return, the young star was tackled hard in the opening seconds of the match against Western Australia and ruled out for the rest of the game and missed Vic Metro’s match with Allies.

>> Feature: Chloe Baker-West

POWER PLAYER

It might be easy to forget that the supremely talented Russo won the Under 16s MVP for the carnival two years ago, which is essentially saying the best player of this age group for that tournament. Two Rogers Cup best and fairests and a National Academy invite later – among other accolades – and Russo remains one of the top prospects despite an injury-interrupted bottom-age campaign that saw her miss the first two National Championships matches and still be rusty for the third. However her performances for West Perth over the last two seasons have been very impressive against senior opponents.

Strengths:

Russo has the need for speed, and her explosiveness out of the contest is the standout quality, behind perhaps only Usher in that regard. She throws herself at every contest and is a contested ball winning beast who can also spread to the outside and provide an avenue to goal. Usually clean at ground level and readymade to play in the big leagues, Russo will be one of the players who can make a more immediate impact.

Question marks?

Further working on her precision kicking is a main focus for Russo, as she possesses a powerful boot that is damaging in distance and when “on” can be lethal. While gaining greater consistency on that front, Russo’s defensive running is another element to continue developing, though it has improved this season from last.

Last month: #8

Russo has been a shining light for Western Australia, with two really big games either side of a quiet match against South Australia. Battling through soreness that impacted her lead-up, the warrior kicked two huge goals to help haul the Sandgropers over the line against Vic Metro. Will be looked to again taking on the Allies.

>> Feature: Mia Russo

INTERCEPT MACHINE

If we’re talking about CVs, then West Australian Cowcher has one of the most prestigious entering her top-age season. The Peel Thunder defender has won back-to-back Under 18s MVPs as well as All-Australian honours, and also winning the WAFLW Rising Star in her first season. She has featured at senior level for the past three seasons, is as readymade as anyone, and provides a rock in the back 50 for the Mandurah side. Another member of the National Academy as most of the top 20 are.

Strengths:

Cowcher’s a supreme reader of the play, positioning herself in the right spots nearly each and every time, while plucking intercept marks left, right and centre. She is a long and effective user of the ball, and has spent some time in midfield, though is a far more effective defender. She is best suited as that third tall who can leave her opponent to come across and intercept, before switching lanes and opening up play for her teammates.

Question marks?

As mentioned, her ability to peel off her opponent and intercept is one of her strengths, however one area she needs to further develop is when engaged in a one-on-one. She is so good at being offensively dangerous, that further strengthening that one-on-one capability is another string she can add to her bow.

Last month: #9

Unfortunately Cowcher remains on the sidelines the past month nursing her back injury she sustained earlier in the year.

>> Feature: Evie Cowcher

FOOTY’S EINSTEIN

The second Eastern Ranges talent to make the list, Allen is one of the draft class’ most clever players, and has been utilised on a wing and through the middle, though is now returning to where it all began for her, half-back. She is averaging consistent numbers across the board and plays as a high half-back and has the licence to drive the ball forward with aggressive run and carry. A member of the National Academy, Allen is a well-balanced player who though is best suited to the outside, can win her own ball and apply defensive pressure.

Strengths:

Allen’s footy IQ sets her apart from the group with her understanding of the game coming off half-back allowing her to time her runs well,  receive the ball and pump it forward. Her skill and decision making with ball in hands stands out, and she can pierce passes down the field, willing to bite off those 45 kicks. A high metres gained player, Allen is a distributor who makes her teammates better with smart ball use.

Question marks?

Allen’s main improvement comes in her aerial ability as a lighter bodied player. Competitive at ground level, she can further improve her overhead marking. and while she is tough as nails when applying pressure, she can be a touch fumbly under pressure at the coalface. The two areas are minor tweaks she can make to her game to add to her impressive profile.

Last month: #13

Like her Eastern teammate McMillan, Allen rises up to join her inside the top 10. She has been thereabouts amongst some skilful prospects in the next group, but has really caught the eye on the national stage with her run-and-gun style posing problems for the best opponents in the land.

>> Feature: Jordyn Allen

CLASS WITH A CAPITAL ‘C’

Two years ago, Eaton captained the South Australian side to an Under 16s campaign triumph, winning her state’s MVP and being one of the best performed players alongside Russo in that carnival. She has shown throughout her SANFLW career that she can play a multitude of roles, cruising out of the middle and pinpointing passes forward of centre, or nailing tricky goals with incredible skill. One of the best users in the draft crop, when Eaton can win 20-plus touches against you, you’re in for a bad day.

Strengths:

Eaton’s skill and decision making stand out in her game, and when she is up and about, few can match her ability to hit those inside-45 kicks to open the game up. Spending time up forward, through the middle and even at times, half-back, Eaton is one of those X-factor players who can just make magic happen. The Central District top-ager does not need a lot of disposals to inflict maximum damage, and at her best is right up there with the most naturally gifted in the draft class.

Question marks?

Midfield craft and contested work are a couple of areas that can further develop, with Eaton just simply too good at junior level, but coming up to seniors, had to develop even more ways of impacting around the stoppages. She has a high level of endurance and speed, and can further work over opponents for long periods of time, but has lapses here and there. Overall though, she’s a player you want in your side.

Last month: #11

Has been building since returning to the tri-colours and the one-placed drop is not indicative of her own performance, with a lineball call separating the two. She finished the SANFLW season off well with her best performance since Round 1, recording 19 disposals, eight marks, three inside 50s and kicking a goal in a massive victory over Norwood. Has been deployed as a defender for South Australia with her foot skills and decision making on display.

>> Feature: Sophie Eaton

THE DRAFT BOLTER

While most of these names will be familiar to a lot of people who have kept close tabs on the National Academy, Neyland is one who might result in some further research. A tall forward out of the Sydney Swans Academy, Neyland has exploded back onto the scene in her top-age season after missing last year due to an ACL injury. Playing for the Swans through the Under 22s Summer Series and Coates Talent League Girls competitions, Neyland has caught the eye with her balance of offensive and defensive traits and enormous upside. Though this might be a high ranking for a player with less exposure compared to some others, she has the talent for it.

Strengths:

Neyland is a fantastic aerial player who can find midfielder-like numbers with her work rate up and down the ground. She showed throughout the Summer Series and then into the Coates Talent League that despite playing at centre half-forward, is not restricted to the forward 50 arc, and works up the ground to impact even in the back half. A former centre half-back, Neyland’s point of difference compared to other tall forwards is her defensive pressure and creating plenty of goal-scoring opportunities for her teammates.

Question marks?

Having spent so much time out of the game the last 12 months, Neyland is still working on her kicking and getting more precise with her ball use. She is developing it as she goes along, but it shows going for goal too, with a few potential majors left out there. When she can tweak that element of her game – along with her composure – she will have a very well-rounded profile.

Last month: #15

The Swans Academy member continues to rise and on upside is among the most exciting talls in the draft. She was sensational in the loss to Vic Country, and has returned home to defence for the national championships. Against Vic Metro crashed packs and has more impact than her statline suggests, but still managed 13 disposals, two marks, three tackles and five rebound 50s.

>> Feature: Alex Neyland

CONTESTED BULL

Bowering has spent her past four seasons as an integral member of the Devils lineup and even was an Under 18s Allies extended representative a couple of years back, while slotting in for three games last year at the national championships. Born just two days into 2007, Bowering is one of the most consistent inside midfielders, and has racked up the accolades from Under 16s MVPs and All-Australian teams to club best and fairests as well. Another popular player amongst her teammates, Bowering has an uncompromising style and leads from the front.

Strengths:

A natural contested ball-winning midfielder, Bowering does not back down from a challenge, and while she has shown she can impact at both ends of the ground, her centre clearance ability is arguably the best in the draft crop. She reads it so well off the ruck’s hands, gets into the right spots and drives the ball forward consistently. In aerial contests, Bowering is so difficult to beat given her strength, and her clean hands at ground level and in the air make her more often than not a one-touch player.

Question marks?

Bowering’s main focus over the off-season was building her tank and working on her running patterns to best impact the games as she often spends a lot of petrol getting to areas where she may not always win the ball. The bulk of her touches come within 10 metres of a stoppage, but she can spread to the outside and be a marking option down the field. Her kicking is penetrative and almost always put into effective positions, but can further be enhanced with greater precision when under pressure.

Last month: #12

Back-to-back Allies in the Power Rankings, Bowering is just a wonderfully consistent player who has been working hard in showing off her athletic gifts and aerial ability. In particular against Vic Metro she only had the one clearance, but worked into space consistently. Will be a great acquisition for any club.

>> Feature: Priya Bowering

CONSISTENCY ACQUIRED

Johnson is as versatile of a player as anyone else in this year’s AFLW Draft crop, having come through the Northern Knights pathway as a contested marking forward, before switching it up and rolling into a hybrid wing/defender role in 2025. That enabled Johnson to use her strengths further up the ground and it not only worked, but took her game to another level. No doubt clubs will love the fact she can play on all three lines.

Strengths:

An incredible aerial player, Johnson always looks comfortable when attempting a mark and knows when to stick the dukes up and when to protect the ball drop. Additionally, her long kick is another weapon, and she can hit targets with great vision into the corridor or into space. Those two elements with her athleticism and versatility make her a genuine draft prospect. Despite her role change, Johnson still manages to hit the scoreboard.

Question marks?

The major question mark coming into the year on Johnson was her consistency and production level. She put that to bed early in the new role, hardly playing a bad game and consistently being among the most influential for her side. Johnson can still further build her inside game as another element to tick off in the future.

Last month: N/A

Johnson has been a key part of Metro’s title defence, averaging 19.7 disposals and 4.0 marks, being among the best for Metro against both South Australia and the Allies. She will look to repeat the dose against her fellow Victorians on the weekend to cap off a wonderful national carnival.

>> Feature: Scarlett Johnson

BACK AND BRILLIANT

Unfortunately an ACL injury put a line through West Australian Crane’s bottom-age campaign, with the Subiaco prospect only returning in Round 5 of the WAFL Women’s season. Having not played since Round 16, 2023 in the league, Crane returned back into her defensive 50. She is similar to Cowcher in the way she reads the play so well, positions herself behind the ball and is so strong overhead, and has even spent time through the middle as an Under 16s prospect. A really popular player amongst her peers and made the National Academy despite not playing last year.

Strengths:

Crane is the most damaging intercept defender in the draft class with her variety of kicking enabling her to take the risk through the corridor or switching to space on the other side of the ground. She can make the right decisions with ball in hand, and though she does her best work in the air, is good enough at ground level to follow-up well. At 179cm, she has the height to trouble a lot of players. Her defensive pressure for a tall is also outstanding.

Question marks?

The elephant in the room like with Usher is how she performs consistently back from the ACL. On-field, Crane is not the quickest player, but she has that poise that ‘slows time’ and that holds her in good stead. As a whole is a really well-balanced player and really just needs that continuity to show it.

Last month: #11

Has not looked out of place at all the past month and just played her role behind the ball. Those who have moved past her have had extraordinary carnivals, and definitely not a knock on her own. She was particularly superb against South Australia with 14 disposals, three marks, six tackles and five rebound 50s, while quieter against Vic Metro.

>> Feature: Olivia Crane

STURT’S SMOOTH-MOVER

Alongside Eaton is another member of the National Academy, with Bessen being a clean an damaging user both out of midfield and as a half-forward. Having made her debut for Sturt in 2023, Bessen has been a permanent fixture for the side at SANFLW level. She was also named in the South Australian side as a double bottom-ager that year, and though she didn’t crack in for a game, managed all three last season where she got a taste for representative action. Her 2025 season is looming to be her best yet.

Strengths:

A skilful player with great decision making skills, Bessen does not waste too many touches and is a facilitator to make things happen inside 50. When forward, she has the class and finishing ability to hit the scoreboard, and kicked six goals from 12 games rotating between midfield and attack. Out of the middle, Bessen is primarily a second-possession winner and will assess her options before putting the ball into advantageous positions. Her defensive traits also shine through for a player who is so damaging with ball in hand.

Question marks?

At this stage Bessen is a second-possession winner while she builds her strength as she can get bumped off the ball a little. Her consistency through her bottom-age campaign wavered at times, though it will come with more continuity in a role which she has seemingly got this year, as is her explosive speed that she has been working on as a player who has a handy cruising speed alongside a strong tank.

Last month: #14

Produced a big game for Sturt in the semi-finals over the weekend with 21 disposals, five marks and 10 tackles as her Double Blues booked a preliminary finals spot. It came off the back of a rare quiet one the week before against the same opponent in North Adelaide, while Bessen has been consistently solid for South Australia off a wing showing her versatility.

>> Feature: Monique Bessen

POWER PERSONIFIED

Maggie Johnstone had been earmarked as a player to watch for this year’s AFLW Draft crop for some time, having done a body of work for GWV Rebels and Vic Country through the Under 16s then becoming a high impact-per-possession player for the Rebels last season. Averaging 12.5 disposals and 2.8 marks, Johnstone would dominate for a quarter here or there, or provide rare traits that few others have, and it was all about putting it together. From the first game of 2025, it was clear everything was starting to gel.

Strengths:

Johnstone might only be 171cm but she worries opposition defenders like few others her size when inside 50, and has to be tightly watched around the stoppages as well. Strong and powerful through the core, she can breakthrough tackles with ease and then thump the ball inside 50. Boasting similar traits to the recently drafted Zoe Hargreaves, Johnstone is a taller midfielder who can penetrate from long-range or outmark opponents one-on-one. Has that X-factor about her.

Question marks?

While being a powerful kick and one who can impact with her vision, Johnstone can still further perfect her polish over the shorter to medium distances. Additionally, Johnstone is powerful, but not explosive so she often breaks through tackles rather than avoids them, with that extra acceleration always a way to further develop.

Last month: N/A

Returning to Coates Talent League Girls on the weekend, Johnstone booted three goals in the Rebels’ upset win over Gippsland Power, continuing on her fantastic form in 2025. Averaging 17 disposals and a goal at the national championships, Johnstone is looking to finish up her Vic Country campaign on a high this Sunday.

>> Feature: Maggie Johnstone

ATHLETIC STAR

Barwin is the second Tasmanian on our list, having also represented the National Academy this year. Bursting onto the scene as a bottom-ager in 2024, Barwin had a year to remember where she produced some eye-catching performances with her array of athletic traits and footy smarts going forward. While her best home is inside 50, Barwin has shown she can play through midfield and be a point of difference as she evades would be tacklers and drives the ball forward. The Tasmanian also got to represent the Allies in 2024.

Strengths:

Without a doubt, Barwin’s athletic profile is what stands out in her game, with the balance of speed, agility and endurance making the one of the best all-round athletes. Even for her size, Barwin can jump and compete in the air, then scrap at ground level and go in hard to wrench the ball from opposition clutches. Her forward craft and defensive pressure are other big ticks in her game.

Question marks?

Barwin’s kicking precision and composure with ball in hand have room to grow with the added pressure of midfield congestion often forcing her to rush the ball to boot. She can be a classy finisher, but with more time and experience she will adapt further to the contested work, though expect her to be more of her preferred forward role in the future.

Last month: #18

With a lot of movement around her, Barwin holds firm in our Power Rankings after mixing her time between the Allies and Tasmania Devils. She worked well off a wing for the former and in a mid/forward role for the latter. Against the top two Talent League teams, Barwin booted a couple of majors in each game, averaging 18.5 disposals, 3.0 marks 6.5 tackles and 3.0 inside 50s.

>> Feature: Mischa Barwin

SHEER STRENGTH

McLay will be one of the unfortunate stories of this year, having injured her shoulder for the National Academy and will be put on ice throughout her top-age campaign. She has done enough over the last couple of seasons to be an obvious choice for AFLW clubs, having played every position on the ground, and already represented Vic Metro as a bottom-ager. Prior to her injury, McLay had been named Calder Cannons captain and got her chance to don the Australian jumper.

Strengths:

Her physicality is a clear tick given her strength and ability to use it well both at ground level and around the ground. She has spent time as a midfielder, ruck, tall defender and tall forward, making her one of the most versatile players going around. Furthermore, McLay has great defensive pressure and a booming kick that enables her to clear the zone and put pressure on the opposition defence. Riding shotgun with Baker-West at Calder, McLay also found plenty of the ball and impacted in a multitude of ways.

Question marks?

McLay’s kicking precision and composure under pressure at times were the main area to further develop, often blasting away and thumping long down the ground. In most scenarios, the distance helped her side as it would usually mean for most a kick and a half or two kicks to get back to that point, but was still an area for her to improve. Of course the reality now is others have the chance to show their wares, but she has the runs in the bank to-date and won’t worry clubs.

Last month: #19

McLay is out for the year nursing a shoulder injury sustained in the National Academy match earlier in the year. While others have the opportunity to go past her in the rankings with performances, she is very clearly a top 30 prospect, and first round talent at her best. Expect her to be around that mark.

DYNAMIC TALENT

Welsh entered the year as a genuine utility, playing across all three lines over the last few seasons and long regarded as one of the more natural players in this year’s draft crop. At her best she is in the Top 10 mix joining her Suns Academy teammates, and has too much talent to be much further behind. Over the course of the last three Talent Leagues where she has played 11 games, Welsh has booted 25 goals from 14.2 disposals and laid 4.5 tackles in that time. She also got the opportunity to play for Queensland the past two seasons, first as a defender in 2023, then as a forward last year.

Strengths:

In terms of forward craft, few are better with Welsh’s ability to pull off a variety of kicks from drop punts to bananas to checksides and dribblers, all often in display within a game. She kicks some highlight reel goals when inside 50, and then can work up the ground with great aggression and an enormous work rate that allows her to pump the ball forward. She applies great defensive pressure as well which allows her to have a nice offensive and defensive balance.

Question marks?

Like a lot of great forwards, Welsh can tend to go for the miraculous when there are higher percentage plays available, which is an area that will come with each new team she adapts to. Getting more precise with her kicking is another element she is working on, and looking to break the lines a bit more when up the field.

Last month: #17

Unfortunately missed the last Queensland match due to injury after putting on a terrific defensive display of nine tackles from eight touches, three marks and a goal in a narrow win over Western Australia. One of many Gold Coast Suns Academy members in the mix.

>> Feature: Alannah Welsh

RUCK AND ROLL

Making it three Eastern Ranges players in our Power Rankings, Bamford has been the standout pure ruck thus far in 2025, and it is no surprise considering her past 18 months. Playing 15 games for Eastern Ranges last season, Bamford showed promising signs in the middle, finding her fair share of the ball and getting around the ground as well. Raw but talented, Bamford played all three games for Vic Metro as a bottom-ager, averaging 11.3 disposals, 16.3 hitouts and 4.0 tackles in a successful campaign for the ‘Big V’.

Strengths:

Bamford’s ruck craft is her number one strength, which is obviously vital to the role she plays, but in addition to that, her follow-up work is really good at ground level, applying great defensive pressure for a tall and clean hands once she has it. Her vision around the stoppage and general footy IQ in congestion are also positives in her game, with her development as a rotating tall forward also making strides.

Question marks?

The main question mark for Bamford is with her marking, given a lot of her peers are more comfortable clunking grabs, particularly in contested situations. If she can bring the ball to ground, then the Ranges tall can flourish, but being able to consistently hold those grabs is an area to improve. Also her kicking could be more precise at times, though her use by foot is usually advantageous to her side.

Last month: #20

Stays around the mark following a strong start to the national carnival. Kicked the winning goal off the deck against the Allies last weekend and also booted two goals in the tough loss to Western Australia. Her best work is as a number one ruck, but Bamford’s ability to adapt has been great for Vic Metro.

>> Feature: Josephine Bamford

MARLO MAGIC

The rise of Marlo Graham has been a steady one, having impressed off the bat in five games for the Knights back in 2023, before being a key contributor last season. Small in stature, Graham is a prolific tackler who can win the ball on the inside or outside and impressed to the point of running out on Etihad Stadium for Vic Metro 12 months ago. There, she kicked a goal and her form earned her a place in the Under 17s Futures match where she was named one of the captain’s. Continuing to go strength to strength, Graham was named Northern vice-captain for 2025.

Strengths:

Possessing a really well-rounded profile, Graham can influence games both on the inside and outside. With clean skills and neat decision making, Graham is a player who teammates love to get the ball into the hands of consistently. She can weave through traffic and get forward to hit the scoreboard as well, while being a team-first player. Is not afraid to get her hands dirty and do the tough stuff well.

Question marks?

Graham is a tenacious tackler, but is still lightly built so can tend to be bumped off it easily at times. When she latches onto an opponent, Graham is hard to shrug off, but is still build that one-on-one strength. Unsurprisingly her one-on-ones go hand-in-hand as a further element to this area, but fortunately for Graham her clean hands and quick thinking help with that aspect.

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Graham was sidelined in moon boot after playing the first four games for the Knights where she averaged a ridiculous 29.0 disposals, 5.3 clearances, 6.3 tackles and 4.8 inside 50s. Missing the first Metro match still recovering, the Knights talent made her return in Perth and has averaged 18 disposals and laid eight tackles across her two national championships matches.

>> Feature: Marlo Graham

RAY OF UPSIDE

One half of the Brothwell twins – with sister Nalu – at Dandenong Stingrays – Mizuki is the defensive running sibling who can also roll into the midfield. She burst onto the scene as a bottom-ager when earmarked as one to watch by then coach Josh Moore. Having gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months, the Vic Country member earned one of only two spots in the National Academy from her state side.

Strengths:

Brothwell is a superb reader of the play and positions herself accordingly to mark and then dish off. Her fundamentals have developed enormously and she uses the ball effectively by hand or foot too. While still adding that midfield craft to the mix, her best position is behind the ball where she will often intercept and drive the ball forward. Quite often Brothwell will spot up her sister down the field and link up well.

Question marks?

While strong in the air, Brothwell is still developing that contested marking element. When left to her own devices, the Stingrays talent can be a real thorn in the opposition’s side, but she is learning to wear contact at the same time. That, along with further developing that midfield craft will be some improvements for the future.

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Brothwell has averaged 14 disposals, two marks and four rebound 50s at the national championships for Vic Country playing off that half-back line. Returning to the Stingrays in between her Country commitments, the hard-running prospect had 14 disposals, one mark, two inside 50s and two rebound 50s against the Dragons.

>> Feature: Mizuki Brothwell

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

If sheer football talent could be bottled and measured, there’s a fair chance Mackereth would be among the top few names in the draft crop. Her aerial presence and energy is so positive for every side she plays in, even when the game is not going her way. In the years leading up to 2025, Mackereth was regarded as one of the most promising prospects in this year’s AFLW Draft, earning All-Australian honours at both Under 16s and Under 18s level, predominantly as a tall forward, but also playing off a wing at the former. At the same time, she had a great bottom-age campaign for Glenelg as the minor premiers reached a preliminary final.

Strengths:

Mackereth is an aerial specialist who is so good in the air and then can go back and slot goals from set shots relatively consistently. She showed throughout the SANFLW season last year and National Championships that her impact on the scoreboard is enormous, and she has the athleticism to breakaway on the lead and leave her opponent in the dust. Not to mention her infectious energy each time anyone – let alone herself – kicks a goal which gives her side a boost. All things being equal, her weapons are as impressive as most.

Question marks?

Her work rate and defensive running are two main question marks that stand out in her profile, with the Glenelg forward not having as much of an impact in 2025 as she did in 2024 given Glenelg has has less fluid inside 50 entries. When the game is on her terms – ie on the lead or in an aerial contest – Mackereth will win it nine times out of 10, but she has minimal impact when the game is not on terms and is more of a contested scrap.

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Mackereth showed her potential against Western Australia with a couple of goals, before returning back to Glenelg for a quiet outing against Western Australia. Her upside is as good as anyone’s, it is just about finding that consistency again. Looms as genuine value and back at home for the last two national championships can return to the form she showed at the national carnival as a bottom-ager.

>> Feature: Eloise Mackereth

SUNNY’S CHOICE

Sunny Lappin is the daughter of former Carlton and St Kilda small forward Matthew, though is more of a midfielder by trade. Playing inside or outside for Southport – where her dad became the senior coach this year – Lappin has the three-club choice between the Blues, Saints or Gold Coast Suns where she is tied to the Academy. Having really developed in 2025, she is consistently putting out big performances.

Strengths:

Lappin’s run and carry really stands out as a trait that excites crowds and no doubt recruiters too. She tucks the ball under the arm and looks to evade opponents every chance she gets, before dishing off cleanly by hand. Her work in traffic is very good, and she can get forward to hit the scoreboard, but is more likely to be the facilitator inside 50. Has come into her own moving on-ball in the light of other injuries and holds her own against quality opposition.

Question marks?

Lappin is still lighter bodied compared to other inside mids, so she can be bumped off it against the really strong opposition. Her gamestyle holds up against senior players though, and it is more continuing that efficiency on the inside when under pressure. Her best footy comes with space and when she can find it, the top-ager is hard to stop.

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The first of two Gold Coast Suns Academy members to enter the countdown, Lappin has thrived with the extra midfield responsibility in the face of injury at the Maroons. She has carried that form through the QAFLW as well where she starred for the Sharks in an impressive win over Bond University last weekend.

>> Player Focus: Sunny Lappin

RARE ATHLETE

Madeleine Quinn is an ultra-athletic ruck-forward out of the Sydney Swans Academy and one of only two National Academy members from NSW-ACT. The sole Swans representative in that regard, Quinn towers over most opposition at 185cm, and she has plied her trade for a number of teams this year, including the UTS Bats, Swans Academy and National Academy.

Strengths:

Few 185cm players can move like Quinn who has jets that should not be possible for a player of her size. She has a great leap, will lay tackles and is a contested marking player too. All in all, she ticks a lot of boxes for a developing ruck who can also go forward and provide a target, helped out by the fact she has strong hands .

Question marks?

Quinn is not as high of a production player as some of the other rucks early on, though has that contested marking element that aids in her impact on-field. Like most talls, Quinn is still developing her work below her knees to be cleaner with groundballs, as well as polishing off her kicking which has improved in 2025.

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Quinn’s return to the AFL Sydney in between her Allies matches saw her boot three goals in a starring role for UTS Bats as they went down narrowly to premiership contenders North Shore Bombers. For the Allies, Quinn has shown promising signs around the ground, and though not winning a lot of it, competes well and presents.

>> Feature: Madeleine Quinn

STOPPAGE SPECIALIST

D’Addario has had her fair share of bad luck over the journey, finally getting a chance to show her wares on the national stage after interruptions at both 16s and 18s levels the last two years. The Swan Districts midfielder is a consistent ball-winner who just does her job week-in, week-out without fuss and is deserving of the AFLW Draft attention on her form across multiple levels.

Strengths:

D’Addario’s crowning jewel is her stoppage craft where her ability to read the ball off the ruck tap is arguably the best in the AFLW Draft crop. She times her runs, gets to the right spots and is clean by hand to release to teammates on the outside. Though she is not just a handballer either, able to work into space and deliver the ball down the ground through smart decision making for scoring opportunities. Throw in her contested ball-winning ability and strength overhead and it paints a picture of what the powerful D’Addario offers.

Question marks?

Aside from the unknowns coming into the year having missed the national championships, D’Addario does not have that trademark explosiveness that some inside midfielders have, as well as continuing to build her endurance to match the very best runners going around.

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D’Addario continues to bang down the door as one of the most prolific and consistent midfielders. Ignoring the explosiveness, there is not too much else to knock given she has the smarts and strength to match it with anyone. For Western Australia, the Swan Districts prospect is averaging 22 disposals, six clearances and six tackles.

>> Feature: Carys D’Addario

NURSE ON CALL

Nurse always had the draftable traits that caught the eye, but in the light of injuries at the Gold Coast Suns Academy and Queensland, the Southport running machine has really boosted her stocks in 2025. Flying under the radar in past seasons due to the top-end strength of the Suns Academy, Nurse has come into her own this year and remains a key player to watch for further development.

Strengths:

Nurse has the need for speed, and the skills to match which straight away ticks the key boxes for a winger who can also play off the flanks. Given the injury crisis this year, Nurse dabbled on the inside as well where she held her own and impressed around the stoppages. Despite being mostly outside, Nurse is a competitive prospect who is clean below her knees and all those traits make up an exiting talent for the future.

Question marks?

The Southport prospect continues to build her inside craft and strength one-on-one, while also working on her aerial ability. Nurse works into space well and once she has it can take off, but being able to compete in the air more consistently, especially under pressure will be another promising development.

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Her body of work in 2025 has been sensational, starting with the Suns Academy at Coates Talent League level, and then for Queensland on the national stage. Against Vic Country, Nurse racked up a game-high 23 disposals and nine inside 50s, as well as five marks, four tackles and three clearances.

>> Feature: Mikayla Nurse

LEFT PEG

Stoddart has been a name associated with this year’s AFLW Draft crop for some time and after a ridiculous double bottom-age season and more of an experimental bottom-age year – where she was thrown around in different positions – the Gippsland Power defender has found her role and form of late. A little bit of a shaky start to 2025 was quickly forgotten once the national carnival rolled around and she is back to her best.

Strengths:

Stoddart has a powerful left boot that when it is on song, can be incredibly damaging. Her run and carry out of the back half is a standout quality, and she is competitive both in the air and at ground level. Thanks to her power and strength, she is hard to bring down, often able to get her hands free and dish off before being brought down, or throw it on the boot to at the very least, gain valuable metreage.

Question marks?

Stoddart’s efficiency by foot was a little hit and miss to start 2025, and she has always been a long and penetrating kick, but can be wayward at times. That has tidied up to be her damaging best of late, with the main question mark around her explosiveness and getting from contest-to-contest. One of the better rebounding defenders in the draft class and does the basics well.

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Her form to start the season was down on her lofty standards, but her past few weeks have been nothing short of sensational. The national carnival seems to bring out the best in the past Under 16s MVP winner and is one of the most in-form players as it stands looking at the recent month. Back-to-back best on grounds at Coates Talent League Girls level the past fortnight has seen Stoddart average 27.5 disposals, 4.5 marks and 9.0 rebound 50s.

>> Feature: Ella Stoddart

TIRELESS WORKER

One of the most popular players in South Australia from both players and talent identification staff alike, Trengove is a coach’s dream. Able to play any position on the field, Trengove’s incredible work rate endears her to everyone and that had work is paying dividends in 2025. The Eagles young gun will play in a SANFLW Grand Final in a fortnight, and earned the South Australian captaincy as well.

Strengths:

Trengove’s GPS numbers would be off the charts, not just from a distance perspective, but high speed running as well. She is one of the only players who can win the centre clearance and almost be at the drop of the ball for the veery next contest to receive it back. The way she bursts past opponents is simply incredible, and her enthusiasm for the game is infectious as well. Additionally, she has great defensive traits, is accountable, and can push hard offensively and hit the scoreboard as well, kicking double-digit goals in the SANFLW season.

Question marks?

Trengove’s polish can still improve, with the technical side of her kicking – which she has identified – as the main question mark in her game. Perhaps the other question mark which is not a bad thing, is identifying her best role, as she seems to do it all well, without having one particular dominant position.

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What a month it has been for Trengove at the national level, with her first two games being sensational. Captaining her state, she has lead from the front to averaged 26.5 disposals, 6.5 tackles, 3.5 clearances, 3.0 inside 50s and kick three goals. The leadership position has brought out the best in her. Returned to the Eagles to perform strongly in the semi-final win over South Adelaide too.

>> Feature: Imogen Trengove