“Grateful” Milner positive about year, future
IT WAS a busy year for Gippsland Power’s Lily Milner. The Vic Country representative played through both the Under 18s Championships and Talent League Girls seasons as well as getting a gig with the All-Stars against the National Academy. Milner was able to sum up her experiences in 2026 in a simple word. “I think […]
Forward thinking Olivieri on the cusp of dream
HAVING always been a natural midfielder, Tayla Olivieri had an inkling that this year was about change, and a move to the small forward role was on the cards. Though that did eventuate – and the Vic Metro representative spent the bulk of her representative time inside 50 while rotating between the two at the […]
Dees, Roos divide amongst AFLW Draft hopes
A WHOPPING 83 per cent of the National AFLW Draft Combine invitees suggest the AFL Women’s flag is a two-horse race. As part of the Draft Combine week, Rookie Me Central spoke to all 47 available players at the MCG with a series of questions to get a consensus on a number of topics. >>> […]
Bowie thriving after “cool experiences” in draft year
SYDNEY Swans fans have plenty of bright talents to look forward to from their Academy in the 2026 AFLW Draft, and one of them is Sydney University’s Evie Bowie. The smooth-moving midfielder – who spent time rotating forward for the Allies and at times the Swans – looked fondly upon her top-age season, as she […]
Selfless Mableson enjoys “fun” of top-age season
ENTERING the 2026 AFL Women’s Draft, few players have a better CV than South Australian Emily Mableson who is right in the mix for the top few selections. The West Adelaide prospect won MVPs at both Under 16s and Under 18s level for her state, captained the 16s side to the title, and was part […]
McKeegan happy with juggling act in top-age season
TALENTED tall Greea McKeegan is unfazed about having to juggle multiple football commitments or even roles on the field, with the National Academy member believing the “pretty good system” that was put in place for her helped her seamlessly transition between the Geelong Falcons, Geelong Grammar School, Vic Country and the National Academy. McKeegan said […]
Strachan grateful for support throughout 2026
WEST Australian Lexi Strachan had a “really hard” start to the season with plenty of juggling for her football commitments, as well as trying to find form for the state side, but with plenty of people in her corner, the West Perth top-ager emerged stronger from it. Strachan came into 2026 as a prestigious talent, […]
Martin overcomes interruptions to produce “consistent” finish
THE MOST popular selection for pick one amongst the AFLW clubs, Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro sharpshooter Bailee Martin conceded she had some ups and downs in 2026, with frustrating “niggles” and a rapid illness before ending the season like many had predicted with some big goal hauls and eye-catching plays. “I thought it was […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL Under 17 Futures
A RAFT of club-tied talent took the field in the 2026 National Futures showcase game, played on AFL Grand Final day. Inclement weather meant the game was shifted from the MCG to Whitten Oval, but that didn’t stop both sides from bringing the heat to provide a glimpse into next year’s budding draft crop. Team […]
Petrides thankful for opportunities despite late injury
A LATERAL collateral ligament (LCL) tear in Zoe Petrides‘ season might have seen the Lions Academy member’s top-age year end on a sour note, but the Morningside product could not be happier with the way she performed throughout 2026. During the semi-finals loss to Bond University, Petrides went down with the injury, but said she […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL Under 17 Futures
A RAFT of club-tied talent took the field in the 2026 National Futures showcase game, played on AFL Grand Final day. Inclement weather meant the game was shifted from the MCG to Whitten Oval, but that didn’t stop both sides from bringing the heat to provide a glimpse into next year’s budding draft crop. Team […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 WAFL Colts Grand Final
EAST Fremantle has secured its first WAFL Colts flag since 2017 after a 44-point win in Sunday’s decider at Optus Stadium. The Sharks converted their minor premiership on the back of an eight-game winning run, also claiming bragging rights in what was a typically feisty Fremantle Derby. The Sharks set up their ascendancy with a […]
2026 Talent League Girls GF notes: Oakleigh Chargers vs. Dandenong Stingrays
DANDENONG Stingrays broke through for their maiden Talent League Girls premiership, defeating Oakleigh Chargers by 30 points thanks to eight consecutive goals. Despite trailing the Chargers by five points at quarter time, the Stingrays stepped up after that to win the grand final, 9.3 (57) to 3.9 (27) at Whitten Oval on Saturday. We took […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Talent League Grand Final
GIPPSLAND Power broke through to secure their first premiership since 2005 on Saturday, kicking away to a 35-point over Dandenong Stingrays in the Talent League Grand Final. Victorious co-captain Cody Templeton was named best on ground having bagged five goals alongside star teammate Wil Malady. In what was an entertaining all-Country clash at Whitten Oval, […]
Scouting Notes: South ends Claremont’s Colts stronghold
SOUTH Fremantle has ended Claremont’s run of three-straight WAFL Colts premierships with a 27-point win in Sunday’s preliminary final at Revo Fitness Stadium. The Bulldogs saluted in the often spiteful contest to set up a Fremantle Derby in the decider, slated for 4:40pm on Sunday at Optus Stadium. Having skipped out to an early lead, […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 National Futures Girls
NEXT year’s AFLW Draft class put on a fitting showcase match that resulted in Team McKenzie getting up by seven points over Team Fleming at Windy Hill on Sunday. With a stack of talent across both sides, we took a look at some of the players who impressed on the representative stage. TEAM FLEMING: #1 […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 AAMI Talent League Grand Final – Glenelg vs. Eagles
GLENELG has stormed to the AAMI Talent League premiership with a 66-point thumping of Woodville-West Torrens in Sunday’s decider at Adelaide Oval. The Bays kicked clear with five unanswered goals in the second term and never looked back in what was a brutally clinical performance on the big stage. Having piled on a further seven […]
Scouting Notes: Stingrays end Ranges’ flag defence
DANDENONG Stingrays have overcome reigning Talent League premiers Eastern Ranges to advance to this year’s Grand Final. The result sets up an all-Country clash against Gippsland Power at Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon, after the latter knocked off Sandringham Dragons in a Ballarat double-header. The Stingrays trailed at the first break but kicked into an […]
Scouting Notes: Gutsy Gippsland ends Dragons’ dynasty
GIPPSLAND Power have advanced to their first Talent League decider since 2012 after defeating Sandringham Dragons by two points in a thrilling preliminary final on Sunday. Bottom-ager Leo Stephenson stepped up to slot the winning goal with two minutes left to play at Mars Stadium. The result sets up an all-Country clash for premiership glory […]
Scouting Notes: Eagles survive to send Centrals out in straight sets
WOODVILLE-WEST Torrens has held off a dramatic late Central District fightback to progress to the AAMI Talent League decider. In their preliminary final showdown at Coopers Stadium on Saturday, the Eagles led all day and won by six points to send the minor premiers packing in straight sets. The victors set the tone with their […]
