Arcassius
Team Chaplain
Be nice if the media team can do better than 'An exciting prospect' for every draftee we took - feels lazy templating
Women's Footy AFLW Season 2025 - Turbo's Back! (Baby)
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UncleChipsy
Senior List
Charli Hazelhurst has always been around the mark in terms of draftability, and a mid-draft spot looks to be about right. Given her athleticism she has the potential to go inside the top 30, but as a whole clubs love talls who can develop areas to match their athletic prowess. Expect quite a few clubs to jostle for Hazelhurst at this year’s draft and see which one pulls the trigger first.
STRENGTHS:
IMPROVEMENTS:
Hazelhurst's value comes from her combination of athleticism and versatility. She moves well, can jump high and play in any position required. While half-back is her favourite spot due to her ability to intercept and pass off, she did enjoy pinch-hitting through the midfield this season. She has the size to do just that, but would need to improve her midfield craft to further develop in that role.
While on paper Hazelhurst does not take a lot of marks, she is one who can control the airways and is impactful in a defensive manner. More of a defence-first mindset with a spoil before a grab, Hazelhurst really only needs to bring the ball to ground because she can use her speed to gather the ball as a follow-up and take off down the field.
The Norwood tall does not focus on having individual highlights even though her athletic profile might lean that way. She can fly high and kick long, but is more focused on playing within her strengths and maintaining a team-first unselfish gamestyle. Defensively she stands up be it in the air or on the ground, and she can very easily play that lockdown tall role against a multitude of opponents.
Hazelhurst stands at 176cm and given her athleticism can play on key position types, or even athletic smaller players thanks to her adaptability to any role. She is never going to be a consistent 20-plus disposal ball-winner, but Hazelhurst makes her impact through her ability to consistently beat her opponent and begin transitional chains from the back half of the ground.
Naturally, Hazelhurst is considered one with significant upside thanks to her size and athleticism. If her footbaliing elements can continue to develop, then the sky could be the limit. As it stands, her kicking is a way she can improve, as the South Australian tends to blaze away and bomb it long, but with time, can develop that aspect and be more of a shorter, sharp ball user.
Of course her production numbers - even when in the midfield - are not high, with a season-tally of 12 touches in a tough Anzac Day clash against Glenelg. Hazelhurst had six clearances that day in what was her best on-ball performance while also spending time elsewhere, but she is more of that 8-10 disposal a game player. It does mean room for improvement however.
As a whole, Hazelhurst is a nice draft prospect with a balance of athletic traits and defensive elements, and while she does need to work on aspects to become more rounded, has great upside and looms as a player that clubs can put work into and watch her develop significantly.
central.rookieme.com
STRENGTHS:
- Athleticism
- Aerial ability
- Versatility
- Reading the play
- Competitiveness
- Team-first nature
- Upside
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Production
- Kicking efficiency
Hazelhurst's value comes from her combination of athleticism and versatility. She moves well, can jump high and play in any position required. While half-back is her favourite spot due to her ability to intercept and pass off, she did enjoy pinch-hitting through the midfield this season. She has the size to do just that, but would need to improve her midfield craft to further develop in that role.
While on paper Hazelhurst does not take a lot of marks, she is one who can control the airways and is impactful in a defensive manner. More of a defence-first mindset with a spoil before a grab, Hazelhurst really only needs to bring the ball to ground because she can use her speed to gather the ball as a follow-up and take off down the field.
The Norwood tall does not focus on having individual highlights even though her athletic profile might lean that way. She can fly high and kick long, but is more focused on playing within her strengths and maintaining a team-first unselfish gamestyle. Defensively she stands up be it in the air or on the ground, and she can very easily play that lockdown tall role against a multitude of opponents.
Hazelhurst stands at 176cm and given her athleticism can play on key position types, or even athletic smaller players thanks to her adaptability to any role. She is never going to be a consistent 20-plus disposal ball-winner, but Hazelhurst makes her impact through her ability to consistently beat her opponent and begin transitional chains from the back half of the ground.
Naturally, Hazelhurst is considered one with significant upside thanks to her size and athleticism. If her footbaliing elements can continue to develop, then the sky could be the limit. As it stands, her kicking is a way she can improve, as the South Australian tends to blaze away and bomb it long, but with time, can develop that aspect and be more of a shorter, sharp ball user.
Of course her production numbers - even when in the midfield - are not high, with a season-tally of 12 touches in a tough Anzac Day clash against Glenelg. Hazelhurst had six clearances that day in what was her best on-ball performance while also spending time elsewhere, but she is more of that 8-10 disposal a game player. It does mean room for improvement however.
As a whole, Hazelhurst is a nice draft prospect with a balance of athletic traits and defensive elements, and while she does need to work on aspects to become more rounded, has great upside and looms as a player that clubs can put work into and watch her develop significantly.
Charli Hazelhurst Draft Profile
Charli Hazelhurst is a 'unicorn' in the sense she is ultra-athletic and play any role on the field with her height and mobility.
central.rookieme.com
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UncleChipsy
Senior List
Monique Bessen has the footballing traits to be a first round prospect. Leg speed is always going to be a query and seemed to be placed with a high emphasis on it, so it is likely Bessen will slip back to be a bargain during the second round. She is too good with ball in hand to be ignored, and is someone who teammates will love to utilise when making attacking transitions.
STRENGTHS:
IMPROVEMENTS:
When it comes to natural footballing abilities, Bessen is among the better ones in the draft crop. All of her strengths lean towards being a sublime user and smart player both around the ball and inside 50. She even had a stint on the wing for South Australia this year, and boasts a high endurance base from which she can draw from to run out games well.
Her greatest strength is what she does with ball in hand, and teams can be safe in the knowledge Bessen will pick a great option going forward, and execute it with precision. Whether it is by hand or foot, the Sturt prospect has terrific poise and class to go with her skills and decision making, and she has shown that at senior level throughout the SANFLW.
If you're weighing up strengths against improvements, the main knock on Bessen's game comes in the form of her speed. She does not have the leg speed of some others, and noted that as her main area to build upon. She is rarely panicked and has the composure to maximise the space she has, but lacks that fast few steps that can get her out of trouble.
Fortunately Bessen has the ability to play as a half-forward where she can read the play well and then both hit the scoreboard and facilitate sizzling passes inside 50. She is so clean with ball in hand, and has plenty of tricks to go with it too, booting a number of memorable goals along the way. If you ignore the lack of pace, then you have an all-round elite user.
She anticipates plays going inside 50, she spots loose targets and she is usually a step or two ahead of the opposition. While not strongly built like some, Bessen does well to be that second or third possession winner out of a stoppage, and her high endurance base enables her to work over opponents, and then get forward to be a danger too.
Nicknamed 'Mouse' from her Sturt teammates due to her quieter nature, Bessen can be a silent assassin on the field with not just her ball use but defensive pressure too. She averaged 5.3 tackles per game for Sturt this season to go with her 20.0 disposals, 3.5 marks and 4.0 clearances. She might have only kicked the three goals - after 11 across her first 23 games at the level - but she also seems to play a part in the Double Blues' scoring efforts.
Put simply, if the ball works its way into Bessen's hands, you can seem a composed and poised user thinking through her decisions, and able to hit those 45-kicks or find the loose target in space. By hand she is able to deliver and her versatility - which includes inside, outside or forward - are all great ticks. Her traits also lend themselves to a half-back position too with her skills and decision making key.
central.rookieme.com
STRENGTHS:
- Skills
- Decision making
- Versatility
- Clean hands
- Poise
- Endurance
- Defensive pressure
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Speed
- Strength
When it comes to natural footballing abilities, Bessen is among the better ones in the draft crop. All of her strengths lean towards being a sublime user and smart player both around the ball and inside 50. She even had a stint on the wing for South Australia this year, and boasts a high endurance base from which she can draw from to run out games well.
Her greatest strength is what she does with ball in hand, and teams can be safe in the knowledge Bessen will pick a great option going forward, and execute it with precision. Whether it is by hand or foot, the Sturt prospect has terrific poise and class to go with her skills and decision making, and she has shown that at senior level throughout the SANFLW.
If you're weighing up strengths against improvements, the main knock on Bessen's game comes in the form of her speed. She does not have the leg speed of some others, and noted that as her main area to build upon. She is rarely panicked and has the composure to maximise the space she has, but lacks that fast few steps that can get her out of trouble.
Fortunately Bessen has the ability to play as a half-forward where she can read the play well and then both hit the scoreboard and facilitate sizzling passes inside 50. She is so clean with ball in hand, and has plenty of tricks to go with it too, booting a number of memorable goals along the way. If you ignore the lack of pace, then you have an all-round elite user.
She anticipates plays going inside 50, she spots loose targets and she is usually a step or two ahead of the opposition. While not strongly built like some, Bessen does well to be that second or third possession winner out of a stoppage, and her high endurance base enables her to work over opponents, and then get forward to be a danger too.
Nicknamed 'Mouse' from her Sturt teammates due to her quieter nature, Bessen can be a silent assassin on the field with not just her ball use but defensive pressure too. She averaged 5.3 tackles per game for Sturt this season to go with her 20.0 disposals, 3.5 marks and 4.0 clearances. She might have only kicked the three goals - after 11 across her first 23 games at the level - but she also seems to play a part in the Double Blues' scoring efforts.
Put simply, if the ball works its way into Bessen's hands, you can seem a composed and poised user thinking through her decisions, and able to hit those 45-kicks or find the loose target in space. By hand she is able to deliver and her versatility - which includes inside, outside or forward - are all great ticks. Her traits also lend themselves to a half-back position too with her skills and decision making key.
Monique Bessen Draft Profile
Monique Bessen is a terrific ball user and decision make out of Sturt and looms as a player who can add real class to a side.
central.rookieme.com
UncleChipsy
Senior List
Mia Anderson is a player who has expanded her game to add extra layers to it in 2025. The Tasmanian draft prospect has added to her inside abilities with some seriously damaging outside ones. Given her rate of development, the North Hobart product is one who will no doubt be impressing at the elite level sooner rather than later.
STRENGTHS:
IMPROVEMENTS:
Anderson's transformation in 2025 has been quite something. She has always been a really solid role player, but in her top-age campaign, the Tasmanian came out of the shadows of Bowering and Barwin to put her hand up and really express her own strengths and abilities. By the end of the year, she was not too far behind them, and certainly put her name well and truly on the draft radar.
Around the stoppages, Anderson is clean and uses it neatly by hand or foot, particularly when she can extract and get some metres on the opposition. Aside from occasionally dump kicking when under pressure just to clear the danger - which leans to a slight improve in composure - for the most part she was quite a reliable user in transition.
While Anderson's inside game - particularly her contested work and stoppage craft - has never been in question, what really impressed about the North Hobart midfielder's output in 2025 was her expansion to the outside. In the past, she would win clearances or feed the ball out to teammates who would then deliver it forward. This year, Anderson would back herself, take the game on and then drive it forward to set up others inside 50.
That change in performance added another layer to her game, and she started hitting the scoreboard. While six goals in 10 games does not jump off the page, quite often her majors were on the run or from long-range. She has a lovely long kick with terrific finishing skills. Even a few got touched on the line or she got an unlucky bounce in the goalsquare.
If her form with the Devils was not evidence enough, Anderson then stepped up to Allies and was one of the best in the loss to Vic Country. She continued to impress throughout the national carnival, even spending time forward and having plenty of chances on goal with her game against Western Australia one that caught the eye.
Anderson does not necessarily have that explosive speed of others, though she is also not slow. She is able to run and carry when required, and while not quite having the strength of a Bowering, extracts the ball just as well, and then can go forward and do damage on the scoreboard. Her offensive-defensive balance as a whole is very good.
Overall, Anderson has gone from a possible draft prospect to one that has rubber stamped her credentials. A primarily inside player at first, the Tasmanian can safely be used inside or out and still get the job done which is a full credit to herself. Expect her to be one that could go anywhere in the second round or thereabouts.
central.rookieme.com
STRENGTHS:
- Contested work
- Defensive pressure
- Stoppage craft
- Overhead marking
- Endurance
- Offensive-defensive balance
- Clean hands
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Composure
- Explosive speed
Anderson's transformation in 2025 has been quite something. She has always been a really solid role player, but in her top-age campaign, the Tasmanian came out of the shadows of Bowering and Barwin to put her hand up and really express her own strengths and abilities. By the end of the year, she was not too far behind them, and certainly put her name well and truly on the draft radar.
Around the stoppages, Anderson is clean and uses it neatly by hand or foot, particularly when she can extract and get some metres on the opposition. Aside from occasionally dump kicking when under pressure just to clear the danger - which leans to a slight improve in composure - for the most part she was quite a reliable user in transition.
While Anderson's inside game - particularly her contested work and stoppage craft - has never been in question, what really impressed about the North Hobart midfielder's output in 2025 was her expansion to the outside. In the past, she would win clearances or feed the ball out to teammates who would then deliver it forward. This year, Anderson would back herself, take the game on and then drive it forward to set up others inside 50.
That change in performance added another layer to her game, and she started hitting the scoreboard. While six goals in 10 games does not jump off the page, quite often her majors were on the run or from long-range. She has a lovely long kick with terrific finishing skills. Even a few got touched on the line or she got an unlucky bounce in the goalsquare.
If her form with the Devils was not evidence enough, Anderson then stepped up to Allies and was one of the best in the loss to Vic Country. She continued to impress throughout the national carnival, even spending time forward and having plenty of chances on goal with her game against Western Australia one that caught the eye.
Anderson does not necessarily have that explosive speed of others, though she is also not slow. She is able to run and carry when required, and while not quite having the strength of a Bowering, extracts the ball just as well, and then can go forward and do damage on the scoreboard. Her offensive-defensive balance as a whole is very good.
Overall, Anderson has gone from a possible draft prospect to one that has rubber stamped her credentials. A primarily inside player at first, the Tasmanian can safely be used inside or out and still get the job done which is a full credit to herself. Expect her to be one that could go anywhere in the second round or thereabouts.
Mia Anderson Draft Profile
Mia Anderson is a well-balanced Tasmanian midfield draft prospect who has improved in leaps and bounds this season.
central.rookieme.com
- May 26, 2003
- 25,415
- 21,682
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
- Other Teams
- SFFC, Aussie Women's Cricket, HNK
The girls really need to be available to play at least part of the WAFLW season. Regular H&A went from 29 March - 3 August. AFLW went from 14 Aug - 3 Nov.
Now that’s a huge load to play continuously, but at the moment they play 12-16 games per year - that’s if they make a GF. That’s a lot of training and not much playing.
Surely it would fast track the development of the younger players, and give the more experienced ones game time. Even if it was just the 1st - 4th year players. I don’t know - is there a solution?
When do the draftees even move to Perth? In another 4-5 months? That’s a long time between getting your name called out and starting pre-season.
Just random thoughts.
Now that’s a huge load to play continuously, but at the moment they play 12-16 games per year - that’s if they make a GF. That’s a lot of training and not much playing.
Surely it would fast track the development of the younger players, and give the more experienced ones game time. Even if it was just the 1st - 4th year players. I don’t know - is there a solution?
When do the draftees even move to Perth? In another 4-5 months? That’s a long time between getting your name called out and starting pre-season.
Just random thoughts.
UncleChipsy
Senior List
Totally agree. Training and scrimmages arent enough for developing players. Cant think of a player who developed who wasnt playing regularly
100%. Always puts us behind the Vics for developing players and makes our depth behind the 8 ball.
Good idea to play in the WAFLW, I was thinking that even the best players on the list would want to play more games - and so could play in WAFL too. Wonder why they cant do a longer season for AFLW and have state leagues playing at the same time - like the AFL and WAFL/VFL.
- May 26, 2003
- 25,415
- 21,682
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
- Other Teams
- SFFC, Aussie Women's Cricket, HNK
As in risk of injury? Players get injured at training also. Wasn’t one of Áine’s knees done at training? And Turbo’s also?
Taylor
Community Leader
- Moderator
- #1,889
Yes, I think the lower level would be an even more scrappy, contested game where someone who might be described as more substantial but less talented can impact, pun intended, more than they could in a more running game at AFLW level.
I don't think the players need to be exposed to that - or potential field quality discrepancies when anatomically there is already an increased risk of ACL.
- Dec 6, 2020
- 4,323
- 9,226
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
How many do we have on our list? Can we even field two teams for intraclub games?
Its like 30 a list, so no
UncleChipsy
Senior List
Thoughts?
Scoops 2026 AFLW Best 21 for Fremantle:
B: Madi Scanlon, Indi Strom
HB: Laura Pugh, Emma O'Driscoll, Ash Brazzill
C: Hayley Miller, Gabby Newton, Orlagh Lally
HF: Gabby O'Sullivan, Eden Zanker, Ange Stannett
F: Aine Tighe, Georgie Brisbane
FOLL: Mim Strom, Aisling McCarthy, Kiara Bowers
INTERCHANGE: Jess Low, Indi West, Sarah Verrier, Megan Kauffman, Mia Anderson.
EMERGENCIES: Holly Egan, Lily Johnson, Bella Smith, Monique Beeson.
Scoops 2026 AFLW Best 21 for Fremantle:
B: Madi Scanlon, Indi Strom
HB: Laura Pugh, Emma O'Driscoll, Ash Brazzill
C: Hayley Miller, Gabby Newton, Orlagh Lally
HF: Gabby O'Sullivan, Eden Zanker, Ange Stannett
F: Aine Tighe, Georgie Brisbane
FOLL: Mim Strom, Aisling McCarthy, Kiara Bowers
INTERCHANGE: Jess Low, Indi West, Sarah Verrier, Megan Kauffman, Mia Anderson.
EMERGENCIES: Holly Egan, Lily Johnson, Bella Smith, Monique Beeson.
Love to see Aine Tighe in there but is that a possibility? Have not seen a thing.
- May 26, 2003
- 25,415
- 21,682
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
- Other Teams
- SFFC, Aussie Women's Cricket, HNK
Can’t see Áine being available.
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Doctor J
Debutant
- Mar 18, 2009
- 107
- 80
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
- Other Teams
- Montreal Canadiens, Hamilton Tiger Cats
Not bad. Echo other comments re: readiness of Tighe. I think it's unlikely and late in the season if at all. Also, not yet convinced by Indi Strom as a first line fullback. Does ok, but gets beaten too often by strong, quality forwards. Unfortunately, no other options.
Interesting role for Miller
UncleChipsy
Senior List
Don't mind Miller in this role. Feel we need her nearer the ball.
Wing is a strange position in AFLW. We seem to prefer clearance players rather than runners and ball users
Raz
Is this the Real Life? Is this just Fantasy?
Need to goto 18 on field
UncleChipsy
Senior List
Okay ... AFL.com best team
The Dockers went into the trade period hoping to land their big fish in Eden Zanker, and they succeeded. Now, the forward line will be built around the former AFLW leading goalkicker. Zanker will help to support the growth of Georgie Brisbane and Tunisha Kikoak in the line, while releasing Hayley Miller a little higher up the field to be a conduit between the midfield and forward line. It does leave Aine Tighe out in the cold a little, but given her consecutive injury issues and inability to reliably get on the park, at some point the club needs to look to the future. The midfield mix of Gab Newton, Aisling McCarthy, and Kiara Bowers may see some change throughout the season, with the latter most likely to find minimised minutes in the line, instead able to impact in attack as former club captain Kara Antonio did later in her career prior to retirement. Draftee Monique Bessen seems primed to work her way into that group throughout 2026, particularly given Dana East's trade to Richmond. They will welcome back dynamic defender Maddie Scanlon from an injury-marred 2025, while teenager Holly Egan will ideally make her way back from an ACL injury to take up a place as a rebounder at half back, adding speed and bounce to the line. It raises questions around the older defensive combination of Laura Pugh and Ash Brazill. At this stage both are still in the team, but should Lisa Webb prefer to lean on the Indi Strom/Scanlon/Emma O'Driscoll trio as talls, it could push Pugh out of the team altogether. Irishwoman Aoife Healy will press hard for a spot on the wing – bringing more running power – and Gabby O'Sullivan will be that player in the front half.
Indi Strom, Ash Brazill
HB: Holly Egan, Emma O'Driscoll, Madeleine Scanlon
C: Orlagh Lally, Kiara Bowers, Aoife Healy
HF: Gabby O'Sullivan, Hayley Miller, Megan Kauffman
F: Eden Zanker, Georgie Brisbane
Foll: Mim Strom, Gabrielle Newton, Aisling McCarthy
I/C: Tunisha Kikoak, Ange Stannett, Sarah Verrier, Monique Bessen, Laura Pugh
Depth: Bella Smith, Evie Parker, Aine Tighe, Jess Low, Lily Johnson, Matilda Banfield, Charli Hazelhurst, Mia Anderson, Indiana West
The Dockers went into the trade period hoping to land their big fish in Eden Zanker, and they succeeded. Now, the forward line will be built around the former AFLW leading goalkicker. Zanker will help to support the growth of Georgie Brisbane and Tunisha Kikoak in the line, while releasing Hayley Miller a little higher up the field to be a conduit between the midfield and forward line. It does leave Aine Tighe out in the cold a little, but given her consecutive injury issues and inability to reliably get on the park, at some point the club needs to look to the future. The midfield mix of Gab Newton, Aisling McCarthy, and Kiara Bowers may see some change throughout the season, with the latter most likely to find minimised minutes in the line, instead able to impact in attack as former club captain Kara Antonio did later in her career prior to retirement. Draftee Monique Bessen seems primed to work her way into that group throughout 2026, particularly given Dana East's trade to Richmond. They will welcome back dynamic defender Maddie Scanlon from an injury-marred 2025, while teenager Holly Egan will ideally make her way back from an ACL injury to take up a place as a rebounder at half back, adding speed and bounce to the line. It raises questions around the older defensive combination of Laura Pugh and Ash Brazill. At this stage both are still in the team, but should Lisa Webb prefer to lean on the Indi Strom/Scanlon/Emma O'Driscoll trio as talls, it could push Pugh out of the team altogether. Irishwoman Aoife Healy will press hard for a spot on the wing – bringing more running power – and Gabby O'Sullivan will be that player in the front half.
Indi Strom, Ash Brazill
HB: Holly Egan, Emma O'Driscoll, Madeleine Scanlon
C: Orlagh Lally, Kiara Bowers, Aoife Healy
HF: Gabby O'Sullivan, Hayley Miller, Megan Kauffman
F: Eden Zanker, Georgie Brisbane
Foll: Mim Strom, Gabrielle Newton, Aisling McCarthy
I/C: Tunisha Kikoak, Ange Stannett, Sarah Verrier, Monique Bessen, Laura Pugh
Depth: Bella Smith, Evie Parker, Aine Tighe, Jess Low, Lily Johnson, Matilda Banfield, Charli Hazelhurst, Mia Anderson, Indiana West
- May 26, 2003
- 25,415
- 21,682
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
- Other Teams
- SFFC, Aussie Women's Cricket, HNK
I’d be squeezing Jess Low in there somewhere. To be perfectly honest, looking at that bench, the player (based on last season) that would miss out would be Stannet. Or Pugh. But both would require some shuffled magnets, but I definitely think Low should be in there.
But that team, while it’s no NorthMelbourneTasmaniaKangaroos, is pretty decent.
But that team, while it’s no NorthMelbourneTasmaniaKangaroos, is pretty decent.
