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.

Pre-National Championships: #3

If there was an award to win, then Bown won it. The AFLW Under 18 Championships Best and Fairest, Vic Metro MVP, All-Australian team and captain, Coates Talent League Girls Best and Fairest and Team of the Year. Not only a ball magnet, but an award magnet too, and deserving of the number two spot.

>> Feature: Chloe Bown

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.

Pre-National Championships: #25

The bolter of the AFLW Draft, the smooth-moving midfielder has come from the clouds this season and is right up there with the very best in the draft crop. She has leap frogged a host of Suns Academy and Queensland teammates, and is deserving of such honour, having won her state’s MVP, All-Australian honours and was best on ground in the QAFLW Grand Final. Went to levels that didn’t seem possible in 2025, and hard to deny she could well be the second best Sun for her consistency and impact.

>> Player Focus: Sunny Lappin

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.

Pre-National Championships: #2

Davies spent the national championships in defence up until the last game, and showed off her complete versatility. Though she might not have won the MVP like the year before, made the All-Australian team at centre half-back and was one of her side’s strongest again. Only bumped down by a freak year from Lappin and incredible season from Bown.

>> Feature: Georja Davies

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.

Pre-National Championships: #5

McMillan holds her place at number five, having done not too much wrong, and also just being one of the most well-rounded players in the draft. Outside of Usher, McMillan is the one with the most boxes ticked, and her balance of offensive and defensive weapons, as well as her skills and composure under pressure make her such a valuable talent. Won the Coates Talent League Girls’ Grand Final best on ground medal to cap of a huge year. Could be as high as third overall, too.

>> Feature: Tayla McMillan

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.

Pre-National Championships:#4

Happy to back in Baron still despite a slow start returning from injury. The glimpses of her best shone in the QAFLW with her grand final performance on the big stage finishing her year with a bang. One of the most varied draft ranges of the top group, we still see her as that very top echelon and can’t really drop her any lower on upside and her body of work the last couple of years.

>> Feature: Dekota Baron

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 has had a massive breakout year. 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 and then Allies at the national championships, 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.

Pre-National Championships: #12

A ranking on pure upside, Neyland had a massive first national championships game against Vic Country, and was a little hit and miss throughout, but the Swans Academy star’s ability to play at either end is enormous. Her athleticism is elite, and her defensive pressure once the ball hits the deck means even if in the rare chance she doesn’t mark it, Neyland is on the case to battle for the ball.

>> Feature: Alex Neyland

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 her off-ball work. The former has been building nicely throughout 2025, with the latter the next step.

Pre-National Championships: #6

Similar to Neyland, Wolmarans’ athleticism and upside is undeniable. She is a confidence player so will have some low games, but when she is at her best – as she showed in the second half against the Allies at the national championships – she is near-unbeatable. Has worked on her contested marking from the beginning of the year too, just a case of her off-ball work.

>> Feature: Olivia Wolmarans

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.

Pre-National Championships: #8

When fully fit, Russo is right amongst the best players in the draft crop, and she showed that at Under 16s level, and throughout her junior career. She has all the eye-catching traits and leads by example. Will win a lot of clubs over with character references too. Retains a top 10 spot.

>> Feature: Mia Russo

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.

Pre-National Championships: #7

It has been a frustrating couple of years on the national stage for Baker-West who will be another that could easily go top five, or be around this mark or just outside the Top 10. She only spent 10 seconds on-field at the championships before having to come off after the first tackle of the game. Will be a consistent AFLW Fantasy player of the future and plug any hole in the team that drafts her.

>> Feature: Chloe Baker-West

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.

Pre-National Championships: #9

Without a doubt Cowcher at her best is easily a top 10 player, it is more others have just had big years to surpass her in these rankings. Given her lack of football, it is testament to her ability to still be around the mark, and few could be a third-tall intercepting defender better than her at the elite level. A star in the marking, and easy to see why she won Western Australia’s past two MVPs.

>> Feature: Evie Cowcher

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.

Pre-National Championships: #13

Bowering had some unbelievable performances at the national championships and made the All-Australian team. She was in about the only position she hasn’t played this year in the wing, but her strength and leadership shone through to win the Allies’ MVP. Clearly the most consistent in that side, it was form impossible to knock and Bowering arguably has the highest floor of any draft prospect.

>> 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.

Pre-National Championships: #14

Backing up her Coates Talent League Girls form, Johnson starred for Vic Metro between the wing and half-back, earning All-Australian honours in the latter. She is one of, if not the, best outside player in the draft crop. Her work into space, aerial ability and hurt factor are off the charts.

>> Feature: Scarlett Johnson

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.

Pre-National Championships: #10

Allen was impressive at the national championships and perhaps a touch unlucky not to make the All-Australian team, but the Eastern Ranges and Vic Metro star is as quality as they come. She breaks line, uses the ball well and has been able to get forward and hit the scoreboard of late too. A great outside option who has been adapting more to contested ball-winning. Similar path to Lappin, and also became a premiership player with a strong performance in the Coates Talent League Girls Grand Final on the weekend.

>> Feature: Jordyn Allen

POWER PERSONIFIED

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.

Pre-National Championships: #17

Some have Johnstone pushing top 10 calculations, and it’s hard to argue that fact on upside. She’s clearly a first round prospect, and with her explosiveness and strength from the contest, she causes a lot of headaches for opposition coaches. The GWV Rebels star’s ability to go forward and then hit the scoreboard during the national championships as well as at Talent League level was telling, and she earned All-Australian honours too.

>> Feature: Maggie Johnstone

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.

Pre-National Championships: #28

Another Queensland AFLW Draft bolter who deserves the top 20 status after a sensational year. A pure outside player who did get some on-ball minutes in 2025, Nurse went viral recently with a five-bounce run in the QAFLW finals series. She takes grass regularly and like Allen and Johnson, is an elite outside talent.

>> Feature: Mikayla Nurse

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.

Pre-National Championships: #18

Another All-Australian in this list, Barwin just oozes X-factor and she stepped up to be a really reliable link for the Allies at the national championships. Working in tandem with Bowering, Barwin fills that crucial defensive forward need, while also having plenty of offensive impact too. Backs herself and clubs will love that.

>> Feature: Mischa Barwin

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.

Pre-National Championships: #27

Another case of ‘she simply has to be first round’, D’Addario breaks the mould of non-explosive players going higher in the draft crop. Her stoppage craft is just so elite and she uses the ball well going forward. One of Swan Districts’ best throughout the WAFLW finals series, and right next to Bowering, has one of the highest floors in the draft crop. Won Western Australia’s MVP and was named in the All-Australian team.

>> Feature: Carys D’Addario

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.

Pre-National Championships: #11

We’re into the ‘that’s too low surely’ stage of the Power Rankings, but it does show the top-end competition for spots. An incredibly gifted player who unfortunately had her season cut short due to injury, Eaton has some of the best upside going around. It would not be a shock if she pushed towards the top 10, and the drop is more an indication of others surging up, rather than the Bulldogs star dropping off. A genuine A-grader of the future.

>> Feature: Sophie Eaton

RARE ATHLETE

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.

Pre-National Championships: #26

Another ‘should be higher’ selection, it is hard to argue with that as well. On upside, she’s a top 10 talent, but so are many, and her performances through the AFL Sydney competition with UTS Bats were sensational. Her national carnival showed signs, with Bamford beating her to the second All-Australian ruck spot, but Quinn’s athleticism – particularly speed for her size – is ridiculous.

>> Feature: Madeleine Quinn

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?

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 and though a high-risk, high-reward player from defence, has such a penetrating left boot.

Pre-National Championships: #15

Perhaps a touch harsh given she did nothing wrong at the national championships, but again others just rose up. Her intercepting ability, strength one-on-one and powerful left boot make her a first round talent, and it will be a bargain for clubs if she slips beyond that. Has had a really solid year back from her ACL injury, and with a full preseason behind her, will only be more consistent next season.

>> Feature: Olivia Crane

THE DUAL-SIDED DASHING SWAN

Yerbury is a high-upside midfielder who can also go forward and create a contest in the air, but does her best work extracting the ball from inside close and sending it forward. Having come through the Sydney Swans Academy and with North Shore Bombers in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, Yerbury has constantly shown signs across the last few years. With some terrific speed and a dual-sidedness with her kicking, Yerbury is actually a Magpies supporter who looks to model her game on the likes of Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury.

Strengths:

Yerbury has a number of exciting traits that catch the eye, with her ability to read the play and explode from stoppages making her an intriguing talent. She can use both sides of her body and also rotate forward where her overhead marking becomes a key strength. That ability to win the ball both in the contest and in the air allows her to contribute in a variety of ways and roles.

Question marks?

The Swans Academy member has been working hard on her kicking this season and particularly late in the year she was showing improvement on both sides of her body. She can be a tough lower with her production and consistency than others, but has shown at times the capacity to have a 30-plus disposal game or completely take control. One with upside to further improve.

Pre-National Championships: N/A

After missing the first game of the national championships, Yerbury really stamped her mark, particularly against Western Australia where alongside Bowering, the NSW-ACT prospect provided plenty of run and carry. She is one who can add a nice spark to any side, and her form through the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division has been superb.

>> Feature: Kiera Yerbury

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.

Pre-National Championships: #20

Is now the sixth Queenslander – and Suns Academy member – in the top 20, but packs plenty of punch. She’s a big game player with power and one who never shies away from the big moments. Not afraid to take the game-winning shot or stand tall and refuse to give in, she’s one with further development left in her. Made the All-Australian team after a strong national carnival.

>> 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. That area has noticeably improved throughout the season though. Also her kicking could be more precise at times, though her use by foot is usually advantageous to her side.

Pre-National Championships: #21

Will battle Quinn for the first pure ruck taken in the draft, and did earn the All-Australian honours too. She has really developed areas of her game in 2025, and gets involved plenty around the ground. Is a more readymade tall option and clubs love to pinch players who can fill exact needs. Further strengthened her key forward game too.

>> Feature: Josephine Bamford

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.

Pre-National Championships: #19

Though McLay has not had the opportunity on-field much this season, she is too good not to squeeze into the top 25. One of literally 25 players who should be first rounders on ability, but it won’t matter too much where she lands, clubs love tall, powerful utilities with booming kicks.

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 and top-age campaigns 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.

Pre-National Championships: #16

Played off a wing for South Australia which though she can do and do pretty well, her ability to win the ball in close, and as a half-forward is where she does her best work. Good enough to be among the first round talents, she is very versatile and goes about her business unassumingly. Got upside too given she can drive her legs more and breakaway when under pressure.

>> Feature: Monique Bessen

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.

Pre-National Championships: #23

Brothwell had a huge preliminary final for the Dandenong Stingrays, and it has been a step up for the National Academy member this year. Earning All-Australian and Coates Talent League Girls Team of the Year honours, the running defender has only further built her footy skills and smarts throughout 2025. One of the more unique picks in the draft. Finished her year off strongly in the Coates Talent League Girls Grand Final too.

>> Feature: Mizuki Brothwell

MARLO MAGIC

The rise of 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 Marvel 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.

Pre-National Championships: #22

While Graham has had her injury interruptions in 2025, her well-rounded game is hard to deny. She might be on the smaller side, but will compete with the best of them, and when out on the park was impressive for both Vic Metro and Northern Knights. A full preseason will see her take another step forward, and is one with high-level character too.

>> Feature: Marlo Graham

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.

Pre-National Championships: #30

Unfortunately the South Australian skipper missed the final game of the national championships after injuring her ankle against Queensland, but it did not stop her winning All-Australian honours. A pure utility with great running capacity, Trengove does her damage via metres gained.

>> Feature: Imogen Trengove

FINDING A WAYE

Waye is not too dissimilar to her South Australian skipper Trengove in the fact that her endurance-speed mix is elite, and she can really cause a lot of headaches for opposition coaches. The West Adelaide talent was part of South Australia’s Under 16s setup a couple of years back, and after missing out on the Croweaters’ Under 18s side as a bottom-ager, got to work through the SANFLW. There, Waye was able to dig deep and produce a fantastic 2024 season, earning a recall her top-age season. She did not slow down once 2025 arrived, having an even stronger year and really providing herself in that high half-forward role, while having stints on a wing and through the middle.

Strengths:

As mentioned, Waye has an elite endurance-speed mix that sets her apart from many others. The endurance element in particular is fantastic, and her contest-to-contest works shines through. She is more polished by foot than Trengove and can certainly hit targets consistently when going forward, while competing well in the air. Her versatility enables her to fill any role for a coach on any given day which is a huge plus.

Question marks?

Waye’s decision making has been the improving factor for her in 2025, as she has been working hard on that aspect, particularly when going forward. Her production levels were another way she could further improve, but that too has been consistent throughout 2025. For the West Adelaide talent, it is more about just adding to her well-rounded base because she has a lot of traits that will impress AFLW clubs.

Pre-National Championships: N/A

Waye had a really great national championships and is one of those players who was a touch unlucky to miss All-Australian, arguably in the top 30 throughout the carnival. She has gone from strength to strength this season, was around the mark at the last Power Rankings in July, and only further justified the decision to earn a top 30 spot.

>> Feature: Lucy Waye