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. At the national carnival, Goody averaged 24.3 disposals, 4.3 marks, 3.3 tackles, 5.7 clearances and 3.0 inside 50s.

AUGUST RANKING: #2

LAST MONTH:

Similar to Young, Goody’s season came to an end in July, as she earned All-Australian honours, while winning the second most disposals at the championships. Also similar to Young, it seems a mere formality the Power will select her as the second NGA pre-listing at the end of the year.

STATE RANKING: #2

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.

To conclude the national carnival, Window averaged 17.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 6.0 tackles, 3.7 clearances and 3.7 inside 50s, leading her state to the title in undefeated fashion.

AUGUST RANKING: #4

LAST MONTH:

Another player whose season realistically came to an end in July, and could come away happy with her national carnival. There, Window earned All-Australian honours and captained the All-Australian team. It will be an interesting draft period for the South Australian, as she is tied to the Crows, but the Power – as well as no doubt clubs across the country – will keep an eye on her. She moves up to three off the weight of sheer numbers and consistency.

STATE RANKING: #3

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 11 games and taken her goal tally up to 29 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 58 goals, including 19 as a double bottom-ager. In 2023. Pisano is averaging 11.3 disposals, 2.5 marks, 2.3 inside 50s and 2.6 tackles in the Coates Talent League.

AUGUST RANKING: #3

LAST MONTH:

Pisano’s season is still going and in her final championships match against Vic Country, had eight disposals and kicked a goal. Returning to the Talent League just over a week ago, Pisano booted 1.3 from nine disposals against Sandringham Dragons, then 3.2 against Oakleigh Chargers, maintaining her run of scoring in each match. Though she drops to four, she remains the top Victorian player.

STATE RANKING: #1

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #5

LAST MONTH:

Stone continued her consistent season at the Ranges and Vic Metro, even though she missed two possible games she could played. It means she hasn’t really played in August until the the weekend, but she earned All-Australian honours at half-back off just two games.

STATE RANKING: #2

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #6

LAST MONTH:

Unfortunately Barwick is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and will not take part on-field in 2023.

STATE RANKING (VIC): #3

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #7

LAST MONTH:

Brooksby is another South Australian who finished up her work in July. She has been training at the Power as part of her involvement with the NGA, and could well find herself being the first live pick to Port.

STATE RANKING: #4

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #9

LAST MONTH:

Weston-Turner provides plenty of excitement and she showed it in her sole AFLW Under 18s game against Vic Country, picking up 17 disposals and three marks, but spraying her shots on goal to kick 1.4 Against the GWV Rebels in her return to Talent League, she was quiet with just the five touches.

STATE RANKING: #3

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #8

LAST MONTH:

Slocombe returned to the national carnival with an un-Slocombe like game up first, not registering an effective kick out of seven in her 15 touches. It was just her second game back from injury though so she could be forgiven, backing up with a much more efficient 15-disposal, six-clearance game in the Sandgropers’ loss to Vic Country.

STATE RANKING: #1

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #10

LAST MONTH:

Grigg was named in the All-Australian team’s forward pocket, averaging 18 disposals, 1.3 marks, 2.3 clearances, 2.3 inside 50s and 6.3 tackles playing predominantly through the midfield and as a high half-forward. She’s the player with the standout combination of pace and pressure in the draft.

STATE RANKING: #5

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #12

LAST MONTH:

Cleaver continues to juggle her footballing commitments with netball duties, and as such missed the final national carnival matches. She has shown enough to suggest she will be in the first couple picked, with the massive Eagles fan hoping to end up at West Coast.

STATE RANKING: #2

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 disposals 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #13

LAST MONTH:

The strong inside midfielder racked up another accolade by earning All-Australian honours at the national carnival. Like her South Australian teammates, her national representation ended in July, but was recognised for a tournament-high 4.3 clearances per match to go with 22.0 disposals.

STATE RANKING: #6

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.

Williamson averaged 18.3 disposals, 2.7 marks, 4.0 tackles, 3.0 clearances, 2.7 inside 50s and 1.3 rebound 50s at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.

AUGUST RANKING: #16

LAST MONTH:

Continuing to rise up the Power Rankings, the AFLW Academy member has really settled into her role as that explosive midfielder. Her deficiencies at the start of the season have improved and she is taking control of matches through the middle. She won All-Australian honours for Vic Country, and had a best on ground performance for the Stingrays in a tight win over Tasmania Devils in Round 16.

STATE RANKING: #4

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #11

LAST MONTH:

Clark finished off her national carnival duties with 13 disposals, two marks, six tackles, three clearances and four inside 50s. She might be slipping down the rankings, but it is more about others stepping up and the difficulty in ranking the tall-key forwards. Clark is still ranked third from that positional standpoint behind Young and Weston-Turner.

STATE RANKING (VIC): #5

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #17

LAST MONTH:

Srhoj finished off her national carnival strongly, with a ripping 24-disposal, nine-mark and five-inside 50 game against the Allies, before a quieter 11-disposal, three-mark and two-tackle performance in the loss to Vic Country. It was enough to earn her All-Australian honours on the wing through, averaging 17.3 disposals, 47 marks and 2.1 inside 50s from her three games.

STATE RANKING: #3

Among six new entries into the AFLW Draft Power Rankings last month, 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 with limited exposure compared to others, she is one with ability that will attract club interest outside the GIANTS Academy.

AUGUST RANKING: #15

LAST MONTH:

After a quieter performance in the Sunshine State against Queensland, Buttifant returned to form with 18 disposals, seven marks, two clearances, four inside 50s and six rebound 50s and was one of the Allies’ best across the three games.

STATE RANKING: #1

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 14.7 disposals and 5.3 tackles per game, also lifting her inside 50 average to 3.4 since moving into the midfield.

AUGUST RANKING: #21

LAST MONTH:

Rentsch moves up one spot in the rankings, finishing off the national carnival with averages of 7.3 disposals, 1.7 marks and 2.3 tackles. A lower accumulator, but her explosive speed and defensive pressure stands out, as it has with the Rebels over the past fortnight. Her form has seen her bolt up to 17th in the rankings.

STATE RANKING: #6

McMullen 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #14

LAST MONTH:

McMullen’s championships came to a close in early August, with the AFLW Academy member picking up 13 disposals, two tackles and three rebound 50s playing largely off half-back against the Allies. Not a massive ball-winner, she just makes good decisions with ball-in-hand. Unfortunately due to injury she missed out on a flag with Bond University in the QAFLW.

STATE RANKING: #1

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #18

LAST MONTH:

Peters had the one national carnival outing in August, recording 12 disposals, two inside 50s, two rebound 50s, five tackles and a clever goal against the Allies. A very classy player who is training with Brisbane now her junior and QAFLW season has finished.

STATE RANKING: #2

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #19

LAST MONTH:

Keck produced her best game of the tournament against Vic Metro, collecting 23 disposals, four marks, two clearances, four inside 50s, two rebound 50s and 1.1, before 13 disposals, four marks and a goal against Western Australia. Coming back from her ankle troubles, the Pioneers goalsneak has spent the majority of time further afield.

STATE RANKING: #7

Amy Gaylor is a player who would have been inside the Top 30 last month, had it not been for a suspected ACL injury. Though that was the believed injury when it happened a few months back, her return caught draft watchers by surprise when she was named for Vic Metro. Fortunately for Gaylor, it proved not to be an ACL, and she has been able to return not just for Metro but Calder Cannons as well.

A standout player through the Cannons midfield at her best, Gaylor is an AFLW Academy member with a nice turn of speed from the contest. Boasting clean hands and a solid left boot, she is naturally an inside midfielder with great strength. Tied to the Bombers through the region, she is one that Bombers fans should keep a close eye on given Essendon can pre-list her if both parties choose to do so.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

In her return to action from a knee injury, Gaylor had 10 disposals and laid six tackles against Vic Country at the AFLW Under 18 Championships. She then went back to Calder where she kicked a goal and was strong with 17 disposals and seven tackles against Geelong Falcons, her fist match since Round 5. Continuing her upward trend, Gaylor had another 21 disposals – along with seven tackles and seven inside 50s – on the weekend against Western Jets.

STATE RANKING: #8

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #23

LAST MONTH:

Co-captaining Vic Country, Adams had 10 disposals, eight tackles and five rebound 50s against Vic Metro, then racked up with 10 disposals and nine tackles in a tight win over Western Australia. In the absence of Howley on the weekend Adams collected a whopping 38 disposals, four inside 50s, eight rebound 50s, 11 tackles and a goal in the Falcons’ loss to Dandenong Stingrays.

STATE RANKING: #9

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #20

LAST MONTH:

Grunden rounded out her national carnival with arguably her top performance, managing 12 disposals, four marks and four inside 50s against Vic Country. In the past fortnight, the Cannons forward has averaged 12.5 disposals, while managing eight tackles and four inside 50s against the Jets on the weekend.

STATE RANKING: #10

Evie Long is somewhat of a draft bolter who has been getting better and better of late. Unfortunately the top-age talent has had a history with concussion issues which has kept her from really showing her full potential. But for Queensland at the national carnival. Long showed all the traits she has to offer, largely playing as a forward, but can play higher up the ground as well as deeper to be a distributor and a marking target inside 50.

The Brisbane Lions Academy member only played the one Talent League Girls game where she won 14 disposals and laid 11 tackles, while having six inside 50s. Standing at 175cm, Long is a good size, and most importantly has a range of eye-catching traits. From good hands in the air and at ground level, reading the play well and making good decisions with ball-in-hand, Long has shown she has what it takes to make the next level.

AUGUST RANKING: #25

LAST MONTH:

Long’s season completed when she kicked three goals from 13 disposals and six marks, as well as five tackles against the Allies. It meant the 175cm talent booted five goals in three games, from 9.7 disposals, 3.0 marks and 4.0 tackles at the national carnival.

STATE RANKING: #3

Kayley Kavanagh has relentlessly worked her way up draft boards this year off the back of sheer hard work. By her own admission she did not consider herself a chance for Metro, but form in the Talent League earned her a late call-up to the Under 23s side against the AFLW Academy, then into the Metro team. From there, she just kept rising, racking up 11 clearances upon her Metro debut, and would finish the carnival as Metro’s MVP and an All-Australian.

Kavanagh’s meteoric rise has justified her place in the Top 30, having hovered around there with improvements to make to her outside game. They have been in the works through the carnival and Talent League, with her form undeniably good. Her hands on the inside and defensive traits are outstanding, and her offensive impact is rising.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Kavanagh finished the AFLW Under 18 Championships with an All-Australian to go with her MVP honours. She averaged 17.7 disposals, 2.0 marks, 5.7 tackles, 5.7 clearances and 3.3 inside 50s, ranking equal first in clearances. Since returning to Talent League, Kavanagh has averaged 30 disposals, five marks and four tackles in the past fortnight.

STATE RANKING: #11

If consistency is key, then one can look no further than West Australian Henry, who has been one of the few AFLW Draft prospects from the Black Ducks evident from when they first stepped into a senior lineup. Making her debut in her double bottom-age year, Henry played as a defender for 18 months and caught the eye with her reliable kicking, strong hands, good decision making and one-on-one work. Once she played for Western Australia at the 2022 AFLW Under 18 Championships as a midfielder, her club side Swan Districts followed suit.

Since then, Henry has continued on her merry way as a hard-at-it inside midfielder. She has outstandingly clean hands at the stoppage, puts her body in the way and is a someone who can always role back to defence given she has the height and strength to match tall forwards. The knock will come on her athleticism with her speed, but she has the power to shrug off tackles, and footy IQ through the roof. If clubs can see her as that inside midfielder or rebounding defender, she is more than capable of making a big impact at AFLW level.

AUGUST RANK: #24

LAST MONTH:

After a promising start against the Allies with seven disposals in the first term, Henry finished the match with 12, as well as five marks and three behinds. In her final championships match, Henry recorded 16 disposals, four tackles and two rebound 50s playing.

STATE RANKING: #4

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 16.0 disposals, 3.0 marks, 4.1 inside 50s and booted 6.3, 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #22

LAST MONTH:

O’Rourke was pretty handy against Vic Metro, albeit with a few efficiency issues, as she had 13 disposals, three marks and four inside 50s creating some run and carry. However she found the going much tougher over in the west, only having the seven disposals and three inside 50s, but still laid five tackles. She has the traits, it is just about finding the consistency.

STATE RANKING: #12

Hayley McLaughlin is one of those specialist wingers which seems to be in vogue in the AFL Women’s. A hard running, clean talent, McLaughlin does a lot right with her work around the ground, and while she has had stints on the inside, is largely that pure outside player. She loves to win the ball between the arcs and try and break the lines, or at the very least, release teammates into space. A dual sportsperson as a talented cricketer, McLaughlin has enjoyed a wonderfully consistent season for both Eastern Ranges and in the first two games for Vic Metro.

McLaughlin can tend to fly under the radar with both Pisano and Stone in her side, but has picked up 20-plus disposals in six of her 10 matches, with her lowest count for the season being 14. Though it would be nice to see her hitting the scoreboard a little more, she is clean by hand or foot and generally makes good decisions. She is averaging 20.7 disposals, 4.0 marks, 2.4 inside 50s, 2.6 rebound 50s and laid 3.3 tackles per match.

JULY RANKING: #26

LAST MONTH:

Wrapping up her national carnival, McLaughlin finished with 13 disposals, four marks and two rebound 50s, In her first game back against Sandringham, McLaughlin did not have as much impact, but still provided defensive pressure and worked hard all game.

STATE RANKING: #13

Another surprise draft bolter out of the Sunshine State, Bischa had the perfect carnival for a defender. Playing on some incredible opponents such as Young, Ash Centra and at times Georgia Clark, Bischa only conceded one goal to her direct opponent across the carnival. At some point, her sheer weight of performance comes into it. But aside from just being a lockdown defender, Bischa wins her own ball, so has that offensive element to her game. Though accountable, she can peel off into the dangerous spots to try and intercept, or mop up if a spill comes from the defensive 50 stoppage.

Her clean hands at ground level – generally one-touch – closing speed and reading of the play all stand out, with the next improvement just being her positioning in marking contests. Though she is good at getting the ball to ground, against bigger opponents, Bischa can tend to get pushed under the ball, which smart opponents will make her pay. Still, she is highly competitive, has enough athletic and football traits that standout and she earned a place in the Top 30 off the back of an impressive carnival.

AUGUST RANKING: #28

LAST MONTH:

The defender finished off a successful national carnival by being named at full-back in the All-Australian team, and then won a premiership in the QAFL Women’s with Bond University. Has hardly put a foot wrong the last couple of months and enjoyed a promising 2023 season.

STATE RANKING: #4

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.

AUGUST RANKING: #29

LAST MONTH:

Jordan had some nice moments against Vic Metro playing at half-forward for 10 disposals, two marks, three tackles, three inside 50s and a goal, before a huge defensive effort of eight tackles with 12 disposals against Western Australia. Promisingly, upon return to the Talent League, Jordan spent time on-ball and has not looked out of place at the stoppages to keep her inside the Top 30.

STATE RANKING: #14

A member of the AFLW Academy, Crozier is a difficult one to place. Similar to Cleaver, her athleticism for a tall is very rare, and her marking ability is simply sensational. Crozier boasts explosive speed on the lead, an ability to jump over opponents with ease and constantly looks dangerous inside 50. The big question mark, similar to Cleaver, comes in her final execution.

Crozier works incredibly hard and can often kick the most ridiculous goals, yet spray set shots which shows a work in progress. She missed a season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and went through the QAFLW last year upon return. She shot into draft calculations following an invitation into the AFLW Academy, and while she is not the finished product just yet, has the traits that make it evident why she has enormous potential.

AUGUST RANKING: #30

LAST MONTH:

Unfortunately Crozier was a late withdrawal from the QAFL Women’s Grand Final as her Aspley Hornets went down to Bond University, but the athletic key forward did get some quality minutes in through the rest of the finals series. In her final match against the Allies earlier in August, she had 13 disposals, five marks four tackles and booted three goals.

STATE RANKING: #5

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 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.

AUGUST RANKING: #28

LAST MONTH:

Fortunately after missing Metro’s second clash and about a month of action, Rigoni returned against Vic Country. She was relatively quiet with nine touches, two marks and two rebound 50s. Against Bendigo Pioneers in a rout, Rigoni played higher up the field with 14 disposals, and even kicked a long-range goal.

STATE RANKING: #15

Mel Staunton has had an interrupted year due to injury and only ended up playing the AFLW Academy match against the Under 23 All-Stars, as well as three Coates Talent League Girls matches. Her peak came in representing Australia where she won the MVP for the AFLW Academy playing half-forward/midfield in the narrow loss. In that match, Staunton picked up 17 disposals, three marks, four tackles and three clearances showing off her nice burst.

That game was her last game for the year, with only a combined six matches played – three Talent League Girls and two AFL Sydney games – which means her exposure at the elite level is minimal. Having only come into an elite program over the off-season, she is a difficult one to judge, with clear upside, but needing some continuity to get a good idea of where she sits. At Talent League level, Staunton averaged 20.7 disposals, 1.7 marks, 4.0 inside 50s, 2.0 rebound 50s and 5.3 tackles per match.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Staunton has not played since June, but with the extension of the list out beyond the Top 30, she is too good not to include with the upside in her game evident.

STATE RANKING: #2

The soccer convert has been a player in consideration for the Top 30 over the last two months, and lands just outside that. Adamson is new to the code, but has some outstanding raw traits to work with, and as an over-ager is one who clubs have a keen eye on to see at the elite junior level. She had some up-and-down form in the Talent League, but two goals from 17 touches against the Western Jets caught the eye, and she held her own at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.

Adamson stands at 167cm but has some great power and strength, where she can burst out of a stoppage but also play forward and clunk a mark. Though a bigger body, she moves well and has upside for the future as she continues to learn fundamentals in the Aussie rules game. Adamson only kicked the one goal at the championships, but laid an averaged of six tackles per match to go with her 10 disposals, two marks and two inside 50s across the three games.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Adamson’s carnival finished up against the Allies on August 6, where she provided a forward target but largely did her best work at ground level. She laid eight tackles to go with eight disposals, and while not her biggest game, showed she can bring the heat when not impacting on the scoreboard.

STATE RANKING: #6

One Queenslander who has come along in leaps and bounds this year is talented midfielder/forward Jacinta Baldwick. One of a number of helmeted Maroons, Baldwick burst onto the scene for the Lions Academy producing three consistent performances at Talent League level where she kicked two goals and averaged 19 disposals, 3.3 inside 50s and 4.7 tackles per game.

At AFLW Under 18 Championships level, Baldwick averaged 12.3 disposals, 1.7 marks, 4.0 tackles and kicked three goals across her three games to show she could match it with the best. Her standout performance for the year came int he QAFL Women’s however, as she slammed home five goals from 20 disposals in Coorparoo’s 11-goal win over Maroochydore in Round 9. It showed she could easily play as a lead-out forward, as well as an inside or outside midfielder, giving her a great array of draftable positions.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Like all Queenslanders, Baldwick’s national carnival came to an end on August 6, with the Maroons’ 12-goal win over the Allies. In that game, Baldwick kicked all her three goals in that game, with 15 touches, three tackles and two clearances just reminding clubs that she has the potential to do a lot of damage in a quality side.

STATE RANKING: #7

A member of the Sydney Swans Academy, Cooper is a player who just naturally catches the eye with her play. A 164cm winger, the top-age talent has all the traits that fans love to see with a mix of speed, defensive pressure and lovely technique by hand or foot. She is not always the highest of accumulators, but finds enough to be able to have a serious impact on the game.

Cooper is a player who through her three Talent League Girls games, averaged 17.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 5.3 inside 50s and 7.7 tackles showing a great deal of offensive and defensive attributes. Highly rated internally, Cooper can be one who flies under the radar due to her more developed Academy teammates, but from a pure upside and skill perspective, is arguably the top pick.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Cooper held her own against Queensland on August 6, laying six tackles to go with 12 disposals, four clearances and three inside 50s, before finishing off with a quieter effort in the forgettable loss against Western Australia. It was hard to standout that day from the Allies, but Cooper can be proud of her performances throughout the year and is an underrated prospect coming into the AFLW Draft.

STATE RANKING: #3

How much does consistency and balanced traits come into drafting prospects? Kiera Whiley may be the best case study of that this year. The Western Jets skipper does not really have a major weakness, and while others might have one or two elite traits with some clear deficiencies, Whiley is a player who is either above average or average across the board. She is clean by hand or foot, can use both sides of her body and moves well out the back of the stoppage, as well as having played in multiple positions.

Whiley is arguably too consistent not to be picked up, and her work rate and defensive pressure is definitely an area that will appeal to clubs. She averaged 16.0 disposals, 5.0 clearances and 4.7 tackles at the national championships, and while she largely did her best work on the inside this season, has scope to play outside as she has in previous years.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Whiley’s last match of the AFLW Under 18 Championships was a good one, with the Vic Metro midfielder racking up a game-high six clearances to go with 15 disposals and six tackles. Since returning to the Jets the past fortnight, Whiley has had games of 19 and 14 disposals, while averaging nine tackles in that time. Her game has largely been pure inside but her contested work has been strong.

STATE RANKING: #16

The ultimate utility, Raison is a player who is rare in the sense that she can literally play any position on the field. Though largely a key forward who can rotate into the ruck, the 181cm tall has also spent time in defence – mainly her bottom-age national carnival – and had stints through the middle for a quarter or half here or there – at this year’s national carnival.  It means clubs can view her as a ‘fix it’ player who can fill in a hole across the team sheet rather than being pidgeonholed into a particular area.

Her speed and athleticism is the main knock on her game in the era of athletic players, but on the flip side, her contested marking and penetrating kick is something that is equally sought after in the women’s game. As a natural leader – she captained Western Australia at the championships – Raison is one who is comfortable playing a multitude of roles in a game and has indicated she will go interstate to chase her dream.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Against the Allies, Raison had 10 disposals, four marks, three tackles, six hitouts and two clearances as well as a goal for the Sandgropers, before 13 disposals, two marks, three tackles, two hitouts, three clearances, three inside 50s and a goal in the tight loss to Vic Country. She finished the year needing surgery after she found she had a perforation in her intestines.

STATE RANKING: #5

In a similar vein to Whiley, Ava Jordan is a player who will test the limits of clubs and what they see in a future AFLW player. If natural talent was the only precursor, then Jordan is a top 20 player. She has outstandingly clean skills, elite footy IQ and goal sense, and has played both midfield and forward. She will be a forward at the top level if she does get picked up purely because of two factors – her size and her speed.

Jordan is not the quickest player going around, and though she can evade players, it is largely due to her smarts and size. If she does get caught, it is usually because of a high free kick. Jordan stands at just 148cm and would comfortably be the smallest player at AFLW level. Playing all three championship matches, Jordan averaged 13 disposals, two marks and kicked four goals. More than a couple of times this year, it is hard not to watch Jordan and think ‘surely she is too good to not be ignored’.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Jordan capped off her AFLW Under 18 Championships with an 11-disposal, two-goal game against Vic Country, with a couple of rippers to help guide her team to victory. Returning to the Northern Knights , Jordan had 12 disposals and an unusually-inaccurate 0.3 against Gippsland Power, before kicking two goals from six touches in limited opportunities against the Sandringham Dragons on the weekend.

STATE RANKING: #17

There were many players who could have filled out the last spot in the Top 40 of the rankings, but in the end that fell to Dandenong Stingrays’ skipper Jemma Ramsdale. The strong intercept defender has got better throughout the course of the year, and played three of her best games in the past three weeks. She is impressive one-on-one, accountable and knows when to run off and stay behind, taking the toughest jobs for her teams.

At Stingrays, Ramsdale had some inconsistent form earlier in the year, and while she only played the two championships matches, finished with a bang against Western Australia with a massive 21 disposals, four marks, six tackles, four clearances, two inside 50s and four rebound 50s. That form continued into the Talent League, and while still having some limitations in regards to her profile, overall has been good enough to deserve a spot on the list.

AUGUST RANKING: Unranked

LAST MONTH:

Since returning from her Vic Country duties, Ramsdale had back-to-back outstanding games for the Stingrays, playing on Georgia Clark and Chantal Mason against Tasmania and Geelong respectively. She averaged 16.5 disposals and 4.5 marks, while keeping Mason goalless and Clark goalless other than a downfield free kick that was not of her doing.

STATE RANKING: #18