Draft 2022 AFLW Draft Analysis - Slice of Pie

[Pie 4 Life]

I don’t know if I would have the time or player knowledge required to be involved with that this year, but if you do want to go ahead with it get wook or biggie to put an announcement across the forum to get a bit more interest Many of us who follow women’s footy don’t necessarily spend a lot of time in this board so wouldn’t know otherwise.

Sounds good. I’m happy to even roll with eight teams (myself and seven others as a tester) and then if it’s a success grow from there, but the more the merrier.

 

[Biggie]

I am so heavily invested in AFL SC, AFLW is liek my tioem away from that ahah

But its only a matter of time tbh.

Let me mull it over

 

[Pie 4 Life]

I am so heavily invested in AFL SC, AFLW is liek my tioem away from that ahah

But its only a matter of time tbh.

Let me mull it over

At least there’s limited crossover haha

 

[Pie 4 Life]

For those interested:

AFLW - BigFooty AFLW Fantasy League

DRAFT POOL: If anyone sees any mistakes please let me know (I've tried to get them all but I'm bound to keep one on that shouldn't be) I'll look to add positions later but at the very least check out here for positions: AFLW Fantasy - by Moreira's Magic Adelaide: Najwa Allen, Abbie Ballard...

www.bigfooty.com

 

[Pie 4 Life]

A little while off, but the U17 SANFL Futures game is a curtain raiser on Sunday, September 18 (SANFL GF day). For anyone who has the SANFL Now subscription, really recommend checking it out (or just read my thoughts after ).

South Australia will be the strongest state for the next couple of years at least, so great value to get that subscription if you're someone who watches as much footy as I do.

Lauren Young won't be back yet, but Shineah Goody, Piper Window, Molly Brooksby and Matilda Scholz is a hell of an onball brigade. Add in that forward line which is ridiculous (and probably topped up by U16s like McKee, Archbold, Rasheed I'm guessing), and there's so much talent in that state.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

A little while off, but the U17 SANFL Futures game is a curtain raiser on Sunday, September 18 (SANFL GF day). For anyone who has the SANFL Now subscription, really recommend checking it out (or just read my thoughts after ).

South Australia will be the strongest state for the next couple of years at least, so great value to get that subscription if you're someone who watches as much footy as I do.

Lauren Young won't be back yet, but Shineah Goody, Piper Window, Molly Brooksby and Matilda Scholz is a hell of an onball brigade. Add in that forward line which is ridiculous (and probably topped up by U16s like McKee, Archbold, Rasheed I'm guessing), and there's so much talent in that state.

Is it a free sign up?

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Is it a free sign up?

It's $89 for the year (went up post-COVID) and obviously understand it's not the cheapest and not feasible for some people, but when you're watching as many games as I do, it's less than a $1 a game There are trials to have too I think, but for me I find it good value, considering how expensive watching televised sport can be.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

It's $89 for the year (went up post-COVID) and obviously understand it's not the cheapest and not feasible for some people, but when you're watching as many games as I do, it's less than a $1 a game There are trials to have too I think, but for me I find it good value, considering how expensive watching televised sport can be.

For someone who watches maybe 1/11th of the games you do, there's no real value for money.

I'll be awaiting your thoughts.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Pie 4 Life.

Did you ever talk in great lengths about Ashleigh Gomes (injury replacement Eagle) and/or Ella Little? (injury replacement Demon.)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Pie 4 Life.

Did you ever talk in great lengths about Ashleigh Gomes (injury replacement Eagle) and/or Ella Little? (injury replacement Demon.)

What did you want to know exactly? I've done a profile on Ella Little here: Ella Little
Feature on her back in April: Little taking big opportunity at Eagles, State

Gomes is a mature-age midfielder (small but a natural ball-winner). She captained the undefeated* East Freo to the Grand Final.

*Then they lost in the GF

A solid choice, more of a safe, readymade bet if you like. Don't mind her, wouldn't be shocked if the Eagles used her as a pressure forward, she's a great tackler despite her size.

 

[philthy05]

A little while off, but the U17 SANFL Futures game is a curtain raiser on Sunday, September 18 (SANFL GF day). For anyone who has the SANFL Now subscription, really recommend checking it out (or just read my thoughts after ).

South Australia will be the strongest state for the next couple of years at least, so great value to get that subscription if you're someone who watches as much footy as I do.

Lauren Young won't be back yet, but Shineah Goody, Piper Window, Molly Brooksby and Matilda Scholz is a hell of an onball brigade. Add in that forward line which is ridiculous (and probably topped up by U16s like McKee, Archbold, Rasheed I'm guessing), and there's so much talent in that state.

Is Lauren young eligible to be added to ports list as an nga prospect or do they have to just take her in the draft with their first pick?

 

[Aardvark]

Does anyone know when the next draft will be?

 

[PMBangers]

Does anyone know when the next draft will be?

There were some suggestions going around it could be February, but don't think clubs would want that without some sort of Championships games at the very least

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Is Lauren young eligible to be added to ports list as an nga prospect or do they have to just take her in the draft with their first pick?

They haven't confirmed any rules yet, but I'd think they'll probably have them in an open pool. I'm waiting to hear what the AFL do about it as NGAs/Academy's in other states (bar the Brisbane/GC zones) aren't treated differently.

 

[Aardvark]

There were some suggestions going around it could be February, but don't think clubs would want that without some sort of Championships games at the very least

I would have thought they'd eventually return to having the draft after the season at the end of the year but that would mean no draft before season 8. It will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[TheTassieHawk]

I would have thought they'd eventually return to having the draft after the season at the end of the year but that would mean no draft before season 8. It will be interesting to see what happens.

There will be a draft every season.

There may be a year or two that has a phasing in of adjustments to the minimum draft age as at 1 January/1 July.

I am not convinced that it would make sense to change anything significantly for season 8 unless the clubs and players are demanding a change.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Not sure whether or not to start a new thread or just keep going in here and update titles. Either way, the work never stops.

AFLW U16s Queensland matches, unsurprisingly Gold Coast won easily.

A few players who caught my eye for the first time for Gold Coast:

#8 Ava Usher (Midfielder/Forward)

A multi-sport athlete who is ridiculously good at everything she does, Usher is a Charlie Rowbottom clone. Her strength at the stoppage – and burst from the first few steps – is reminiscent of the Gold Coast Suns number eight. Much like Rowbottom, Usher is not only strong in the contest, but can play as a forward and beat her opponents aerially or one-on-one, with nice footy smarts to get to the right spots and look incredibly damaging inside 50. Add in Usher’s outstanding defensive efforts including a couple of huge run-down tackles, and then a moment in the first game where she beat two opponents by fending off one and sidestepping another just showed all the tricks in her kit bag. Like Rowbottom, Usher’s kicking consistency is the main area to improve, and if she can tidy that up, then watch out because she has a huge future ahead of her.

#24 Georja Davies (Key Forward/Ruck)

Remarkably the fourth of the Davies family to play at the level, Georja is hoping to follow in the footsteps of drafted sisters Giselle and Fleur, and soon-to-be Darcie. The youngest of the quartet is cut from the same cloth, with ridiculous athleticism for a tall and good second efforts at ground level. Her first game in perfect conditions was outstanding, rotating between forward and the ruck and just dominated from start to finish. She possesses tricks that talls just have no right to have, sidestepping and selling candy to opponents, then bursting away and having shots on goal burning off the opposition. She has the footy smarts combined with that outstanding athleticism and versatility to role through multiple positions. If she does not mark it, she provides a contest, and though her second game was not as influential – due to the wetter conditions – Davies first game saw her rack up numbers of 25 disposals, four marks, five hitouts, three clearances, six inside 50s and a goal.

#7 Sunny Lappin (Forward/Mid)

‘Dangerous’ is probably the best word to describe Lappin who just seemed to have some of those eye-catching traits that fans love to watch. She has a crack first and foremost and can adapt to the conditions, but generally used the ball well when she had it. Lappin stands up in tackles and has enough strength to bustle through opponents, but also that touch of class that makes her a more rounded player. She kicked a goal in each game, both of which came off a quick step and snap. One to remember for the future.

FULL NOTES

Brisbane:

#25 Farrandai Hopkins (Defender)

Often having to play on the last line, Hopkins was one of a number of Lions defenders who had her fair share of the ball across both games. She was a fierce tackler and provided that defensive pressure, but added a point of difference with her cleanliness at ground level in the wet. In game one, she thrived with the better conditions by providing some run and carry, charging out of defence. A kick-first player due to the positioning on the ground, Hopkins was steadfast in her determination to kick long down the ground. Though mostly one looking to play it safe with her long kicking, Hopkins did take a good mark in the defensive goalsquare showing safe hands and charged out on a couple of occasions providing some run.

#11 Mia Geere (Midfielder/Defender)

Geere’s first game was better than her second like many due to the better conditions, with the midfielder winning her fair share of the ball. She worked well from clearances, and got better as the match went on, possessing a decent leap at the ball as well. Geere worked into defence and was able to provide some run, and though her execution at the final moment can still be tidied up, she was clean at ground level and good at getting the ball forward long down the ground.

#18 Rania Shelford (Defender)*

A consistent contributor in the defensive half, Shelford was particularly prolific in the first game, constantly involved in transitional running. Her defensive attributes such as her tackling and willingness to put her body on the line were good, but she also had that offensive acumen to back herself and charge out of the defensive 50. Often Shelford’s disposals were long down the line to safety, but on a couple of times she tried to run hard from the defensive 50 into the corridor. A really competitive player who is another one who could tidy up the final execution, but certainly has a lot of great traits going forward.

FULL NOTES


Note: *Shelford is actually the one who starred last year for NT as a forward and really impressed me. I only clicked when cross-referencing last year's NT games for the NT carnival. She didn't look out of place in that next level up, and is still young. Will be interesting to see if defence was something she'll stick to, or just for the carnival, because as a forward in NT she looked a class above.

 

[Biggie]

Your call bud.

Maybe a fesh start?

 

[Pie 4 Life]

From an NT perspective, I am writing some stuff up, but there were no shocks there as to who stood out.

Emma Stark - the umpire from the Essendon/Hawthorn AFLW clash - was the standout player, really tough kid who can hit the scoreboard. Not a heap of penetration, but still an 06er, and generally is pretty clean and smart, Tough as nails.

Sophie Berry - played U17s Futures, not too bad, has some signs but there's that clear gap still stepping up from NT footy to when she plays against the rest of the country. Not ruling her out though because she's shown enough as a mid/forward, could end up a pressure forward.

Annabel Kievit - For her size I'm quite excited about what she can produce. Already capped at U17s level for the Suns Academy last year, I think her consistency really needs to improve, but if she can play at a higher level next year it will be good for her. Really versatile type 175cm ruck/forward but would be a forward at the top level.

Kierra Zerafa - Another one who like Berry looks good at the NT level, but I'd like to see her tested at higher levels consistently. Has a crack, can hit the scoreboard - and did in both games - and does enough.

Didn't play but will feature when I talk about top NT prospects - Grace Whittaker - who is a tall, athletic type. Always looked too good for the NT level and didn't play on the weekend. I think she's one who perhaps need to play a more contested style of football (in terms of league) because when given a lot of time and space she's ridiculous, but against a tough defender she has found it hard. Could even develop into a midfielder. Kyanne Campbell was an AFLW Academy member last year but while there's no doubting she's got some amazing goal sense, there's just not enough there at this stage for me. I think at a minimum she'd be fourth in line, possible fifth behind the top-age girls above.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Your call bud.

Maybe a fesh start?

Yeah I'll probably do a new thread once the final game (Tassie North vs Tassie South is done) so it marks the end of the representative calendar and look to next year.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Yes to a new thread.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Yeah I'll probably do a new thread once the final game (Tassie North vs Tassie South is done) so it marks the end of the representative calendar and look to next year.

As a teaser, your top 40 names for 2023 and, then, a top 20 for 2024 please.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Also, a suggestion for either a future draft crop thread or a thread on its own.

A draft prospect injury and/or suspension update.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

As a teaser, your top 40 names for 2023 and, then, a top 20 for 2024 please.

Funnily enough, it would be easier to do the other way around

Next year (while having some elite top-end talent) seems to be that last year of where it's not quite got the full depth yet. I'm hoping over the early stages of next year that will change.

2024 though, boy oh boy that draft is going to be absolutely BONKERS. I would love it to be a national draft by then (I know basically no chance but would make it a real interesting time).

 

[Pie 4 Life]

Also, a suggestion for either a future draft crop thread or a thread on its own.

A draft prospect injury and/or suspension update.

Yeah fair. Some states are a lot better at promoting it than others. Like Lauren Young's ACL was reported the day after, Ella Roberts' injury I found out in passing chit chat haha. It's also not as well publicised across the board (ie you have to physically ask coaches about them) otherwise it's effectively not even mentioned anywhere usually. Definitely a handy resource though.

Lauren Young and Alyssia Pisano the big watches coming off those LTIs next season as top-end prospects.