BACK for another year, Rookie Me Central’s 24 to Watch in 2024 returns and this year, the focus is on underage players, being those who are yet to have an AFLW Draft chance. For the list of 2024, it will range between players who are predominantly 2006 (top-age) and 2007-born likely to take the WAFL Women’s by storm or set themselves up for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following a strong 2023 at Rogers Cup level, West Perth’s Kaitlyn Roper<\/a> is set to return to the League side in her top-age year after holding her place as one of the competition’s premier midfielders. Running out alongside Mia Russo<\/strong>, the pair controlled the Falcons’ on-ball brigade and now both will take the next step to League level this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n DOB: <\/strong>24\/04\/2006 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Roper comes into 2024 off the back of a consistent bottom-age campaign at Rogers Cup level for the premiership-winning Falcons. She won the club best and fairest and featured highly in the overall league gong too. Playing through the midfield, Roper became a consistent inside ball-winner and was one of the best on Rogers Cup Grand Final day helping lead West Perth to a come-from-behind win over South Fremantle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The top-ager has experience at League level, having played for the Falcons in her Under 16s year, utilised as a strong defender. Working back to Rogers Cup level as a midfielder, Roper has both roles under her belt and has shown a no-fear approach and a natural appetite for contested ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though having missed out on the State Academy squad to-date, the teenager has been on the precipice based off her junior form, particularly at Rogers Cup level. With a number of players added as late inclusions over the last few seasons, a strong start at League level might see Roper added to that group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Rogers Cup decider, Roper had 26 disposals, seven marks and laid five tackles and will not be overawed by going back to senior level. Though the opponents will be stronger than those at Rogers Cup level, Roper is one who could very easily adapt to that improve her game exponentially in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n WAFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n >> Tiani Teakle (East Fremantle)<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nKAITLYN ROPER PROFILE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Height: <\/strong>165cm
Position:<\/strong> Midfielder\/Defender
Club:<\/strong> West Perth<\/p>\n\n\n\nSUMMARY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
>> Dakota Sexton (Peel Thunder)<\/a><\/strong>
>> Alira Fotu (South Fremantle)<\/a><\/strong>
>> Holly Britton (Peel Thunder)<\/a><\/strong>
>> Jasmine Bazeley (South Fremantle)<\/a><\/strong>
>> Sienna Gerardi (Swan Districts)<\/a><\/strong>
>> Grace Freeman (East Fremantle)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n