Claire Ransom came into 2022 as Tasmania’s top AFLW Draft prospect, and was able to juggle those expectations to piece together a solid, rather than outstanding season. It was more the former due to injury that curtailed half her year, and then she predominantly played forward for the Allies upon her return from injury. As a midfielder - which is Ransom’s best position - she is a clean user with nice athleticism and particularly evasion, and she is able to spot targets down the field.

Ransom is not particularly known for her contested work, with the skilful talent able to impact games more with her neat sidestep of first few steps to burst away from the stoppages. At her best, she uses the ball over short or medium distances as well as anyone, though under pressure her efficiency can still improve a touch. Her kicking penetration is an area that could  develop, but her short, sharp passes are effective.

Defensively, Ransom is a player who can work hard to lay some good tackles, and is a natural leader on the field. She directs traffic and uses her voice to guide her younger teammates, then gets involved when she needs to. Her defensive pressure combined with her offensive impact makes her quite the all-round prospect, and once she can improve those areas of her game that are a touch below, she can add more weapons to her game.

North Melbourne has first access to Tasmanian prospects, and Ransom looks likely to follow in the footsteps of past AFLW Academy members such as Mia King and Perri King. As a bottom-ager, Ransom looked to have higher potential than her Apple Isle predecessors, but injury slowed that down. She heads into the AFLW Draft as perhaps a touch underrated, but her best is as good as anyone’s and no doubt with a full preseason behind her, she will find that again.