Game Day 2025 Trade and Draft

[joeykanga]

Priv, Davies and Hillier out the door. So that's 4 list spots opened up (when you add Collier).

Maybe another 1-2 to come?

Paris and Sarah Steele would be the closest to being the next if there are more to come. I second the tall forward. An Irish tall forward for me.

 

[Callipygian]

Here's some highlights of Alex Neyland:



I'm excited!

She reminds me a bit of Molly O'Hehir, except she has plied her trade more forward than back (and I don't know if she has O'Hehir's feted appetite for tackling - although it doesn't look like she has a problem with it from those highlights).

*****

Anyway, apart from those musings, I wanted to remind myself (and others) of the relevant trade and draft dates:

The AFLW Trade Period is Thursday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 10 with the national draft to be held on Monday, December 15.

 

[Callipygian]

North looms among potential new homes for former AFLW No.1 pick

Raging NAB AFL premiership favourite North Melbourne is one of several clubs in the market for a young Western Bulldogs star if she chooses to leave

www.afl.com.au

In other news, Richmond have announced they won't offer Grace Egan a new contract. It seems most likely that she'll be traded out at a fire sale price. She's been a reliable midfielder for a number of years but had a bad season due to illness and injury, as documented here: https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/14...r-grace-egan-opens-up-on-nightmare-pre-season.

There are all kinds of rumours swirling about why she is leaving Richmond (being pushed out the door?) after a similar departure from Carlton a few years ago where she reportedly also wasn't wanted. Seems like a decent player with some baggage will be available cheaply.

 

[Callipygian]

For considering in relation to the draft (if we take players other than Academy and traded in):

All Australian Team nominated from National Championships U18 with Player Ranking Points and notes from Selection Panel. Anyone b. 07 draft eligible this draft.

Back Pocket: Mizuki Brothwell
Victoria Country
Date of Birth: 22/10/07; Height 174cm

Athletic defender who has a good balance on when to attack and when to defend. Was at her very best in the final game of the Championships against South Australia, with her four-bounce run before hitting her target forward of centre a real highlight. Averaged 16.3 disposals (eight contested), 2.8 marks and 3.8 rebound 50s and was an excellent performer against both the Allies and Victoria Metro, as well as against South Australia. Her twin sister Nalu also was impressive playing forward for Victoria Country. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 90.4

Full Back: Zara Neuwirth
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 06/02/07; Height 183cm

Tall defender who competes fiercely, excelling in one-on-one contests and knows when to mark and when to spoil. Always matched up on the opposition’s most dangerous tall forward and was rarely beaten. Used the ball well on the way out and was composed under pressure. Averaged 12.5 disposals, three tackles and four rebound 50s to be one of Victoria Metro’s most consistent players and was amongst her team’s best against South Australia, Western Australia and the Allies. Player Ranking Points: 72.9

Back Pocket: Maya Louvel-Finn
Western Australia
Date of Birth 20/02/07; Height 169cm

Defender who showed her ability to win one-on-one contests and negate the opposition’s most dangerous small and medium forwards. Was at her best in disciplined performance against the Allies then again played her role in the win over South Australia. Averaged 12.3 disposals at 68 percent efficiency and 3.8 rebound 50s to provide effective and consistent rebound for her team throughout the championships. Player Ranking Points: 96.0

Half Back Flank: Scarlett Johnson
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 26/11/07; Height: 175cm

Wing/defender whose ability to intercept, particularly with her overhead marking, was a realstrength of her game. Runs all day, getting from contest to contest and was a consistently good performer in the Championships, averaging 19.5 disposals (8.5 contested), 4.5 marks and 2.5 tackles. Her game against the Allies was her standout performance. Player Ranking Points: 99.8

Centre Half Back: Georja Davies
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 17/01/07; Height: 185cm

Tall defender who used her natural leap and strong overhead marking, as well as her mobility and clever ball use, to be an excellent rebounding defender throughout the Championships. An All Australian at both under 16 and under 18 levels in the previous two years as a ruck/tall forward, her versatility to play defence this campaign adds to her overall value as a player going forward. Averaged 17 disposals, 3.8 marks and 10 hitouts to be one of Queensland best players. Kicked a match-winning goal in the final seconds against Western Australia to secure a memorable victory. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 125.1

Half Back Flank: Rhianna Ingram
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 20/10/07; Height: 167cm

Rebounding small defender with dash and flair. Broke the lines regularly throughout the Championships and used the ball extremely well to set up many forward moves. Averaged 17.3 disposals at 76 percent efficiency, with 4.8 rebound 50s and was among Queensland’s best against South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria Country. Player Ranking Points: 89.1

Wing: Priya Bowering
Allies/Tasmania
Date of Birth: 02/01/07; Height: 167cm

Midfielder who is extremely strong in the contest. Excels at stoppages, attacking the ball with intent and uses her clean hands and vision to create for her team. Backed up her impressive performances in recent years for the Tasmania Devils to star for the Allies, averaging 19.5 disposals (9.8 contested), 4.2 clearances and five tackles to win the team’s MVP award. Her selection adds to her under 16s All Australian honours in 2023. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 121.7

Centre: Chloe Bown
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 20/12/07; Height: 173 cm

Classy midfielder who had an outstanding Championship, averaging 27.5 disposals (15.8 contested), 5.8 clearances and 5.5 tackles. Wins the ball at clearances with her clean hands and courage and gathers the loose ball with her footy nous. Also has amazing vision and quick hands to clear congestion and set up her teammates, which she did consistently to win the bestand fairest player award for the Championships, as well as being named All Australian captain and Victoria Metro’s MVP. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 136.6

Wing: Mikayla Nurse
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 19/09/07; Height: 168cm

Wingman with a scintillating turn of speed, which was on display in her best on ground performance against Victoria Country where she picked up 23 disposals in a match winning outing. Averaged 18 disposals with five inside 50s and 3.8 tackles to be one of Queensland’s most exciting prospects. Player Ranking Points: 106.8

Half Forward Flank: Mischa Barwin
Allies/Tasmania
Date of Birth: 04/12/07; Height: 164cm

Small forward who created numerous scoring opportunities for the Allies throughout the Championships. Swoops on the loose ball. as well as applying pressure on the opposition’s defence with her aggressive tackling. Quick and agile, she has numerous shots herself on goal in collecting an average of 17 possessions (five contested) and laying an average of 4.8 tackles to be a real energiser for her team inside 50. Member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 94.1

Centre Half Forward: Olivia Wolmarans
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 02/09/07; Height: 181cm

Exciting and athletic tall forward who attacks the ball with real intent in the air and at ground level and is very difficult for any opposition to contain. Capable of turning her opponent inside out with her agility, she is always dangerous around goals. Kicked four goals against the Allies in a match-winning performance. Overall averaged 12.5 disposals, 4.2 marks with 1.5 goals to become a back-to-back All Australian after winning honours last year. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 84.4

Half Forward Flank: Tayla McMillan
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 25/05/07; Height: 162cm

Small midfielder/forward with speed and excellent fundamental skills, including clean hands and a neat step through traffic. Was a consistent performer throughout the Championships, averaging 20 disposals (11.5 contested), 5.2 clearances and 4.8 tackles. Set elite standards for her team and was rewarded with All Australian honours after previously winning that accolade at under 16s level in 2023. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 119.2

Forward Pocket: Majella Day
Allies/GWS Giants Academy
Date of Birth: 11/05/08; Height: 176cm

Bottom-aged tall forward who is exciting in the air, as well as being dynamic around goals and provides defensive pressure to keep the ball in her team’s forward 50. Was at her best kicking three goals against both Victoria Metro and Queensland. Averaged 11.5 disposals at an impressive efficiency rate of 74%, as well as finishing with seven goals for the Championships. Player Ranking Points: 106

Full Forward: Bailee Martin
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 03/09/08; Height: 176cm

Bottom-aged forward who reads the cues extremely well with the ball in flight and is the first to move and strong in the marking contest. Her exciting talent was on full display kicking seven goals from seven marks and 15 disposals in a brilliant display of forward craft against Victoria Country, resulting in her leading the goal kicking across the Championships. Has already booted 39 goals in eight games in the Coates Talent League this season. Player Ranking Points: 79.4

Forward Pocket: Alannah Welsh
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 23/11/07; Height: 169cm

Powerful forward with the speed and strength to be a dangerous match up in one-on-one contests inside 50. Has good natural goal sense and was always threatening, averaging 1.7 goals and 10 disposals across three matches. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 115.4

Ruck: Cara Dziegielewski
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 19/04/08; Height: 181cm

Athletic bottom-aged ruck who uses her natural leap to give her team first use at stoppages and follows up her work with an aggressive attack on the ball at ground level. Led the hitouts in the Championships, as well as showing great courage and skill in the air for an emerging tall. Averaged 20.5 hitouts, 11 disposals and two marks after being a star at under 16s level last year to win All Australian honours. Player Ranking Points: 95.6

Ruck Rover: Sunny Lappin
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 28/11/07; Height: 170 cm

Creative midfielder/forward who is light on her feet and very composed with ball in hand, using the ball extremely well by hand and foot. She starred against both Western Australia, the Allies and South Australia and averaged 25.2 disposals (12.5 contested), 5.5 clearances and 4.2 tackles across the Championships. Is the daughter of former Carlton and St Kilda star Matthew Lappin

Matthew Lappin

Age

50

Ht

184cm

Wt

78kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.7

4star

K

10.8

4star

HB

5.9

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.6

4star

No current season stats available

D

13.0

4star

K

8.4

4star

HB

4.6

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

0.6

3star

, making her eligible for the Blues and the Saints under father-daughter rules, as well as the Gold Coast Suns as a member of their Academy. Player Ranking Points: 166.5

Rover: Emma Charlton
South Australia
Date of Birth: 19/06/08; Height: 160cm

Pocket rocket who was a dynamic player for South Australia throughout the Championships, averaging 24.5 disposals at 67 percent efficiency, 6.5 clearances and 7.3 tackles. Fierce in the contest and with quick feet and slick decision-making, she dominated through the midfield in all four matches to win her team’s MVP award, as well as finishing third overall in the Championships best and fairest. Player Ranking Points: 144.3

Interchange: Josie Bamford
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 03/06/07; Height: 182cm

Ruck/forward who shared time in both positions and really developed as the Championships unfolded, averaging 12.5 disposals 14.5 hit outs and 4.2 tackles. Was among Victoria Metro’s best against both the Allies and Victoria Country. Mobile and very competitive by nature she also is a decisive decision maker and uses the ball effectively. Player Ranking Points: 120.1

Interchange: Carys D’Addario
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 01/03/07; Height: 168cm

Inside midfielder whose work at stoppages, as well as her ball use by hand and foot, made her a dominant force. Was among Western Australia’s best players against Queensland, South Australia and Victoria Metro to win her team’s MVP award. Averaged 21.8 disposals at 71 percent efficiency, emphasising her smart disposal. Her clean hands and vision were on display having an average of 6.2 clearances, with her sharp competitive edge highlighted by averaging 5.5 tackles. Player Ranking Points: 121.1

Interchange: Maggie Johnstone
Victoria Country
Date of Birth: 06/06/07; Height: 171cm

Midfielder who starred in the Victoria Country’s win over the Allies in the opening game of the Championships, finishing with 20 disposals and a goal to win best on the ground honours. Has a touch of class with her lateral movement and ball use. Overall, she averaged 15.3 disposals, 2.8 clearances and three tackles. Finished the Championships impressively to feature among her team’s best against South Australia and set up numerous forward moves. Player Ranking Points: 105.7

Interchange: Mia Russo
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 06/08/07; Height: 165cm

Midfielder/forward who is powerful and competitive, with her ability to shrug off opponents and exit congestion a real asset. Can also push forward and hit the scoreboard, which she did by kicking two of Western Australia’s four goals in trying conditions in the win over Victoria Metro. Is not unfamiliar with All Australia honours at National Championships, having received them at under 16s level in 2023 where she also won the Pool A best and fairest award. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 110.5

Interchange: Imogen Trengove
South Australia
Date of Birth: 25/04/07; Height: 164cm

Tenacious midfielder/forward who attacked the ball with real purpose, averaging 25.6 disposals (11 contested), 5.7 tackles and 10.7 handball receives in her three matches before injuring her ankle late against Queensland and missing the final match. Has an amazing work rate, clean hands and a sharp competitive edge to keep driving her team forward. Player Ranking Points: 111.7

SELECTORS

Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Paul Hamilton (AFL National Talent Development & Competitions Manager), Jess Smith (AFL Talent Pathways Operations Manager), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy Manager) and AFL club representatives Trent Moseby (Richmond), Phoebe Carter (Sydney Swans), Jordan Loxley (West Coast Eagles) and Dan Fisher (Western Bulldogs)

 

[Callipygian]

It may be worth considering who is gettable at Gold Coast. With the raft of players coming in there, maybe they'll be forced to let go of someone good. Ditto North. With their depth there must be some pretty good players waiting to get a game.

 

[Kiama Chris]

For considering in relation to the draft (if we take players other than Academy and traded in):

All Australian Team nominated from National Championships U18 with Player Ranking Points and notes from Selection Panel. Anyone b. 07 draft eligible this draft.

Back Pocket: Mizuki Brothwell
Victoria Country
Date of Birth: 22/10/07; Height 174cm

Athletic defender who has a good balance on when to attack and when to defend. Was at her very best in the final game of the Championships against South Australia, with her four-bounce run before hitting her target forward of centre a real highlight. Averaged 16.3 disposals (eight contested), 2.8 marks and 3.8 rebound 50s and was an excellent performer against both the Allies and Victoria Metro, as well as against South Australia. Her twin sister Nalu also was impressive playing forward for Victoria Country. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 90.4

Full Back: Zara Neuwirth
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 06/02/07; Height 183cm

Tall defender who competes fiercely, excelling in one-on-one contests and knows when to mark and when to spoil. Always matched up on the opposition’s most dangerous tall forward and was rarely beaten. Used the ball well on the way out and was composed under pressure. Averaged 12.5 disposals, three tackles and four rebound 50s to be one of Victoria Metro’s most consistent players and was amongst her team’s best against South Australia, Western Australia and the Allies. Player Ranking Points: 72.9

Back Pocket: Maya Louvel-Finn
Western Australia
Date of Birth 20/02/07; Height 169cm

Defender who showed her ability to win one-on-one contests and negate the opposition’s most dangerous small and medium forwards. Was at her best in disciplined performance against the Allies then again played her role in the win over South Australia. Averaged 12.3 disposals at 68 percent efficiency and 3.8 rebound 50s to provide effective and consistent rebound for her team throughout the championships. Player Ranking Points: 96.0

Half Back Flank: Scarlett Johnson
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 26/11/07; Height: 175cm

Wing/defender whose ability to intercept, particularly with her overhead marking, was a realstrength of her game. Runs all day, getting from contest to contest and was a consistently good performer in the Championships, averaging 19.5 disposals (8.5 contested), 4.5 marks and 2.5 tackles. Her game against the Allies was her standout performance. Player Ranking Points: 99.8

Centre Half Back: Georja Davies
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 17/01/07; Height: 185cm

Tall defender who used her natural leap and strong overhead marking, as well as her mobility and clever ball use, to be an excellent rebounding defender throughout the Championships. An All Australian at both under 16 and under 18 levels in the previous two years as a ruck/tall forward, her versatility to play defence this campaign adds to her overall value as a player going forward. Averaged 17 disposals, 3.8 marks and 10 hitouts to be one of Queensland best players. Kicked a match-winning goal in the final seconds against Western Australia to secure a memorable victory. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 125.1

Half Back Flank: Rhianna Ingram
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 20/10/07; Height: 167cm

Rebounding small defender with dash and flair. Broke the lines regularly throughout the Championships and used the ball extremely well to set up many forward moves. Averaged 17.3 disposals at 76 percent efficiency, with 4.8 rebound 50s and was among Queensland’s best against South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria Country. Player Ranking Points: 89.1

Wing: Priya Bowering
Allies/Tasmania
Date of Birth: 02/01/07; Height: 167cm

Midfielder who is extremely strong in the contest. Excels at stoppages, attacking the ball with intent and uses her clean hands and vision to create for her team. Backed up her impressive performances in recent years for the Tasmania Devils to star for the Allies, averaging 19.5 disposals (9.8 contested), 4.2 clearances and five tackles to win the team’s MVP award. Her selection adds to her under 16s All Australian honours in 2023. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 121.7

Centre: Chloe Bown
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 20/12/07; Height: 173 cm

Classy midfielder who had an outstanding Championship, averaging 27.5 disposals (15.8 contested), 5.8 clearances and 5.5 tackles. Wins the ball at clearances with her clean hands and courage and gathers the loose ball with her footy nous. Also has amazing vision and quick hands to clear congestion and set up her teammates, which she did consistently to win the bestand fairest player award for the Championships, as well as being named All Australian captain and Victoria Metro’s MVP. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 136.6

Wing: Mikayla Nurse
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 19/09/07; Height: 168cm

Wingman with a scintillating turn of speed, which was on display in her best on ground performance against Victoria Country where she picked up 23 disposals in a match winning outing. Averaged 18 disposals with five inside 50s and 3.8 tackles to be one of Queensland’s most exciting prospects. Player Ranking Points: 106.8

Half Forward Flank: Mischa Barwin
Allies/Tasmania
Date of Birth: 04/12/07; Height: 164cm

Small forward who created numerous scoring opportunities for the Allies throughout the Championships. Swoops on the loose ball. as well as applying pressure on the opposition’s defence with her aggressive tackling. Quick and agile, she has numerous shots herself on goal in collecting an average of 17 possessions (five contested) and laying an average of 4.8 tackles to be a real energiser for her team inside 50. Member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 94.1

Centre Half Forward: Olivia Wolmarans
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 02/09/07; Height: 181cm

Exciting and athletic tall forward who attacks the ball with real intent in the air and at ground level and is very difficult for any opposition to contain. Capable of turning her opponent inside out with her agility, she is always dangerous around goals. Kicked four goals against the Allies in a match-winning performance. Overall averaged 12.5 disposals, 4.2 marks with 1.5 goals to become a back-to-back All Australian after winning honours last year. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 84.4

Half Forward Flank: Tayla McMillan
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 25/05/07; Height: 162cm

Small midfielder/forward with speed and excellent fundamental skills, including clean hands and a neat step through traffic. Was a consistent performer throughout the Championships, averaging 20 disposals (11.5 contested), 5.2 clearances and 4.8 tackles. Set elite standards for her team and was rewarded with All Australian honours after previously winning that accolade at under 16s level in 2023. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 119.2

Forward Pocket: Majella Day
Allies/GWS Giants Academy
Date of Birth: 11/05/08; Height: 176cm

Bottom-aged tall forward who is exciting in the air, as well as being dynamic around goals and provides defensive pressure to keep the ball in her team’s forward 50. Was at her best kicking three goals against both Victoria Metro and Queensland. Averaged 11.5 disposals at an impressive efficiency rate of 74%, as well as finishing with seven goals for the Championships. Player Ranking Points: 106

Full Forward: Bailee Martin
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 03/09/08; Height: 176cm

Bottom-aged forward who reads the cues extremely well with the ball in flight and is the first to move and strong in the marking contest. Her exciting talent was on full display kicking seven goals from seven marks and 15 disposals in a brilliant display of forward craft against Victoria Country, resulting in her leading the goal kicking across the Championships. Has already booted 39 goals in eight games in the Coates Talent League this season. Player Ranking Points: 79.4

Forward Pocket: Alannah Welsh
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 23/11/07; Height: 169cm

Powerful forward with the speed and strength to be a dangerous match up in one-on-one contests inside 50. Has good natural goal sense and was always threatening, averaging 1.7 goals and 10 disposals across three matches. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 115.4

Ruck: Cara Dziegielewski
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 19/04/08; Height: 181cm

Athletic bottom-aged ruck who uses her natural leap to give her team first use at stoppages and follows up her work with an aggressive attack on the ball at ground level. Led the hitouts in the Championships, as well as showing great courage and skill in the air for an emerging tall. Averaged 20.5 hitouts, 11 disposals and two marks after being a star at under 16s level last year to win All Australian honours. Player Ranking Points: 95.6

Ruck Rover: Sunny Lappin
Queensland/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Date of Birth: 28/11/07; Height: 170 cm

Creative midfielder/forward who is light on her feet and very composed with ball in hand, using the ball extremely well by hand and foot. She starred against both Western Australia, the Allies and South Australia and averaged 25.2 disposals (12.5 contested), 5.5 clearances and 4.2 tackles across the Championships. Is the daughter of former Carlton and St Kilda star Matthew Lappin, making her eligible for the Blues and the Saints under father-daughter rules, as well as the Gold Coast Suns as a member of their Academy. Player Ranking Points: 166.5

Rover: Emma Charlton
South Australia
Date of Birth: 19/06/08; Height: 160cm

Pocket rocket who was a dynamic player for South Australia throughout the Championships, averaging 24.5 disposals at 67 percent efficiency, 6.5 clearances and 7.3 tackles. Fierce in the contest and with quick feet and slick decision-making, she dominated through the midfield in all four matches to win her team’s MVP award, as well as finishing third overall in the Championships best and fairest. Player Ranking Points: 144.3

Interchange: Josie Bamford
Victoria Metro
Date of Birth: 03/06/07; Height: 182cm

Ruck/forward who shared time in both positions and really developed as the Championships unfolded, averaging 12.5 disposals 14.5 hit outs and 4.2 tackles. Was among Victoria Metro’s best against both the Allies and Victoria Country. Mobile and very competitive by nature she also is a decisive decision maker and uses the ball effectively. Player Ranking Points: 120.1

Interchange: Carys D’Addario
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 01/03/07; Height: 168cm

Inside midfielder whose work at stoppages, as well as her ball use by hand and foot, made her a dominant force. Was among Western Australia’s best players against Queensland, South Australia and Victoria Metro to win her team’s MVP award. Averaged 21.8 disposals at 71 percent efficiency, emphasising her smart disposal. Her clean hands and vision were on display having an average of 6.2 clearances, with her sharp competitive edge highlighted by averaging 5.5 tackles. Player Ranking Points: 121.1

Interchange: Maggie Johnstone
Victoria Country
Date of Birth: 06/06/07; Height: 171cm

Midfielder who starred in the Victoria Country’s win over the Allies in the opening game of the Championships, finishing with 20 disposals and a goal to win best on the ground honours. Has a touch of class with her lateral movement and ball use. Overall, she averaged 15.3 disposals, 2.8 clearances and three tackles. Finished the Championships impressively to feature among her team’s best against South Australia and set up numerous forward moves. Player Ranking Points: 105.7

Interchange: Mia Russo
Western Australia
Date of Birth: 06/08/07; Height: 165cm

Midfielder/forward who is powerful and competitive, with her ability to shrug off opponents and exit congestion a real asset. Can also push forward and hit the scoreboard, which she did by kicking two of Western Australia’s four goals in trying conditions in the win over Victoria Metro. Is not unfamiliar with All Australia honours at National Championships, having received them at under 16s level in 2023 where she also won the Pool A best and fairest award. A member of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Player Ranking Points: 110.5

Interchange: Imogen Trengove
South Australia
Date of Birth: 25/04/07; Height: 164cm

Tenacious midfielder/forward who attacked the ball with real purpose, averaging 25.6 disposals (11 contested), 5.7 tackles and 10.7 handball receives in her three matches before injuring her ankle late against Queensland and missing the final match. Has an amazing work rate, clean hands and a sharp competitive edge to keep driving her team forward. Player Ranking Points: 111.7

SELECTORS

Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Paul Hamilton (AFL National Talent Development & Competitions Manager), Jess Smith (AFL Talent Pathways Operations Manager), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy Manager) and AFL club representatives Trent Moseby (Richmond), Phoebe Carter (Sydney Swans), Jordan Loxley (West Coast Eagles) and Dan Fisher (Western Bulldogs)

The ranking points are interesting. The two key forwards have relatively low ranking points so I imagine that's because they haven't a lot of possessions or tackles.
Josie Bamford looks interesting as a tall forward/second ruck. Olivia Wolmarans too as a tall forward. Need one of those.
Madeleine Quinn should hopefully be in line as a second ruck.

 

[joeykanga]

The ranking points are interesting. The two key forwards have relatively low ranking points so I imagine that's because they haven't a lot of possessions or tackles.
Josie Bamford looks interesting as a tall forward/second ruck. Olivia Wolmarans too as a tall forward. Need one of those.
Madeleine Quinn should hopefully be in line as a second ruck.

One of the half forwards or forwards on this list for me. I know nothing about them except the quality of the Irish forwards in the aflw clubs

Ladies Football All Stars: Dublin dominate All-Star list as two Armagh players nominated

All-Ireland Senior Football champions Dublin dominate the list of nominees for the 2025 Ladies All Stars while Ulster county Armagh are represented by two players.

www.bbc.com

 

[joeykanga]

She was an invite to the state combine.
Maybe one of the forward options in swans plans

AFLW Draft Q&A: Grace Parsons

Grace Parsons is a strong marking key forward with a reliable set shot who can provide a focal point for the Swans.

central.rookieme.com

 

[joeykanga]

Cassidy McArthur and Amaia Wain were 2 that I thought were pretty good in the 18s this year. I really liked Cassidy in the games I watched.

QBE Sydney Swans U18 Academy athletes shine in national pre-season testing

Swans players completed a range of athletic testing in preparation for the 2025 season.

www.sydneyswans.com.au

 

[Callipygian]

She was an invite to the state combine.
Maybe one of the forward options in swans plans

AFLW Draft Q&A: Grace Parsons

Grace Parsons is a strong marking key forward with a reliable set shot who can provide a focal point for the Swans.

central.rookieme.com

I’m pretty sure the president saw me and my dad kicking and came over and approached me and was like ‘come down and have a kick, I think you’ll enjoy it, there are a few girls who are nice and soft’.

 

[joeykanga]

Speculates some interest shown by us in Brisbane forward Taylor Smith
Hawks star makes call on future amid rival interest - https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1450470

 

[Callipygian]

Cassidy McArthur and Amaia Wain were 2 that I thought were pretty good in the 18s this year. I really liked Cassidy in the games I watched.

QBE Sydney Swans U18 Academy athletes shine in national pre-season testing

Swans players completed a range of athletic testing in preparation for the 2025 season.

www.sydneyswans.com.au

I saw a pre-season practice match v Giants at BISP. It was, I think, the first time I'd seen Ally Morphett in action for a good while (and she was uber-impressive). During that match many of our first 22 were missing and we fielded a lot of Academy players as top ups (I presume GWS did the same). Of those there were two that caught my eye and after the game I went up and asked I think it was Nick Davis who the player was. The answer? Amaia Wain.

 

[Callipygian]

While it is true that we have Neyland (KPF) and Quinn (ruck-forward) coming in effectively to replace Priv (KPF) and Davies (ruck-forward), I am still minded to interpret these two outs as a sign that we have a tall trade target in our sights. Let's watch this space, but I'm tipping that we trade in at least one KPP. This was already a list need before Priv and Giselle left and I think we can't just rely on two draftees to fill the gap.

Speculates some interest shown by us in Brisbane forward Taylor Smith
Hawks star makes call on future amid rival interest - https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1450470

Sure enough, on the W Show Riley Beveridge reports that Sydney are one of a number of clubs pursuing Taylor Smith of Brisbane. He reported that we are chasing her "aggressively' whereas Hawthorn "have registered interest".

Taylor Smith seems to have a breakout season last year and is now 25 years old and in her prime. After years of averaging well under a goal per match, last year she scored 22 goals for the season (1.6 per match), more than anyone else, and earned AA selection for the first time. This year she backed it up with 1.4 goals per season. Her background is that she grew up on the Gold Coast and was drafted to their inaugural side after a junior career in athletics.

https://australianfootball.com/players/player_season_detail/Taylor+Smith/20920

A problem is that she is under contract and I have no idea why Brisbane would agree to trade her. It's also not clear why she would want to leave such a successful team with a very respected coach etc. other than for more money. How much more can we afford to offer her? She clearly fills an important need for our side and would be the perfect addition.

If we don't get her, do we have a plan B target?

 

[joeykanga]

Sure enough, on the W Show Riley Beveridge reports that Sydney are one of a number of clubs pursuing Taylor Smith of Brisbane. He reported that we are chasing her "aggressively' whereas Hawthorn "have registered interest".

Taylor Smith seems to have a breakout season last year and is now 25 years old and in her prime. After years of averaging well under a goal per match, last year she scored 22 goals for the season (1.6 per match), more than anyone else, and earned AA selection for the first time. This year she backed it up with 1.4 goals per season. Her background is that she grew up on the Gold Coast and was drafted to their inaugural side after a junior career in athletics.

https://australianfootball.com/players/player_season_detail/Taylor+Smith/20920

A problem is that she is under contract and I have no idea why Brisbane would agree to trade her. It's also not clear why she would want to leave such a successful team with a very respected coach etc. other than for more money. How much more can we afford to offer her? She clearly fills an important need for our side and would be the perfect addition.

If we don't get her, do we have a plan B target?

I wonder who is doing the targeting without a coach and do you think Scott was involved in going after Taylor.
It seems like most sides on this analysis require a key Forward.

Pass or fail? How each AFLW club fared in season 2025

Who nailed their season and who's got a long summer ahead? Isadora McLeay hands out a pass or fail verdict for every AFLW team whose season is done and dusted for 2025.

www.espn.com.au

 

[Callipygian]

I wonder who is doing the targeting without a coach and do you think Scott was involved in going after Taylor.
It seems like most sides on this analysis require a key Forward.

Pass or fail? How each AFLW club fared in season 2025

Who nailed their season and who's got a long summer ahead? Isadora McLeay hands out a pass or fail verdict for every AFLW team whose season is done and dusted for 2025.

www.espn.com.au

The list management committee includes not only the head coach but also Tanya Hetherington, Phoebe Carter and Kate Mahoney with some input from Tom Harley (now Mathew Pavlich).

I reckon Gowans would have been involved in the chase of Taylor but probably it wasn't driven only or even necessarily by him. The committee would have decided a KPF was a priority and reviewed the various possible targets together before settling on Smith for whatever reasons. That's my guess.

 

[Teen Wolf]

Riley Beveridge on Ally Morphett (7.30min mark of today's W Show): "I'm led to believe she met with Carlton over the last week about a potential trade".

Meeting with Vic clubs for the 2nd time in a few years, only this time she's already got a contract (until the end of 2027) so you could draw any number of conclusions there.

Regardless, it's possible Carlton won't have anything better than pick 16 to give up, which I wouldn't have thought solely gets it done.

 

[Callipygian]

Riley Beveridge on Ally Morphett (7.30min mark of today's W Show): "I'm led to believe she met with Carlton over the last week about a potential trade".

Meeting with Vic clubs for the 2nd time in a few years, only this time she's already got a contract (until the end of 2027) so you could draw any number of conclusions there.

Regardless, it's possible Carlton won't have anything better than pick 16 to give up, which I wouldn't have thought solely gets it done.

I don't know what to make of that. However, if she did want to leave and go to Carlton then I fear pick 16 would absolutely get it done even though she is worth more. Might be a bit more hope now that there is scope to trade future picks too - but we got burned on Ella Heads last year, mostly because it wasn't possible to trade future picks.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I don't know what to make of that. However, if she did want to leave and go to Carlton then I fear pick 16 would absolutely get it done even though she is worth more. Might be a bit more hope now that there is scope to trade future picks too - but we got burned on Ella Heads last year, mostly because it wasn't possible to trade future picks.

It would be very interesting to know why Ally appears to be interested in moving. Is/was it related to Gowans and if so, in what way? Hard to imagine that it's money. A puzzle.

 

[Ticky009]

 

[liz]

I could live with a swap for Poppy Scholz.

 

[joeykanga]

Ive started watching a few of the youtube videos on the draft hopefuls. Ill tell you what if we're looking for an excitement machine and silky mover, taller than Zippy. Mischa Barwin is impressive and stands out.

Take a look at this video, '2025 aflw draft youtube' https://share.google/H5miNDp0rLL1ijaCg

 

[Callipygian]

Ive started watching a few of the youtube videos on the draft hopefuls. Ill tell you what if we're looking for an excitement machine and silky mover, taller than Zippy. Mischa Barwin is impressive and stands out.

Take a look at this video, '2025 aflw draft youtube' https://share.google/H5miNDp0rLL1ijaCg

Barwin looks a great get. I wouldn't call her comparable to Zippy - very different player, not quite as skilful but love the ferocity of her attack on the ball. Bit of a risk of her going back to Tassie too.

However I don't see how we'll be drafting any first rounders other than our Academy players. The discounts on Academy players are very generous in W so it wouldn't make any sense for us not to take Neyland and Quinn. Therefore I really feel that the way for us to go is to trade back our picks and either use the currency we get to pay for trades (more likely) or, possibly, draft multiple players further back in the draft. We could also seek to find a way to trade back into the first round after matching a bid on Neyland to try and get someone like Barwin but I'm doubtful that will happen.

 

[Aardvark]

Can someone please tell me why we didn't draft Maddie Hendrie ?

 

[joeykanga]

Barwin looks a great get. I wouldn't call her comparable to Zippy - very different player, not quite as skilful but love the ferocity of her attack on the ball. Bit of a risk of her going back to Tassie too.

However I don't see how we'll be drafting any first rounders other than our Academy players. The discounts on Academy players are very generous in W so it wouldn't make any sense for us not to take Neyland and Quinn. Therefore I really feel that the way for us to go is to trade back our picks and either use the currency we get to pay for trades (more likely) or, possibly, draft multiple players further back in the draft. We could also seek to find a way to trade back into the first round after matching a bid on Neyland to try and get someone like Barwin but I'm doubtful that will happen.

Isn't it a possibility Ally goes and get sonething valuable there. There seems to be room there for another player. We're allowed to match with picks within 18 of a bid on an Academy player? Theres a lot of good players in this draft. Neyland amd Quinn definitely but maybe we get lucky and they go a little lower.
Yes I know theres the Tasmania entry but I think it won't just be Tassie players that will be in their sights. They can select a player from each club thats not the chosen protected player by the club thats targeted?
I never said she was Zippy but she has star quality that clearly shows through.

 

[Callipygian]

Can someone please tell me why we didn't draft Maddie Hendrie ?

Very fair question. I don't know the answer but I'd venture a guess that she was a late developer.

Isn't it a possibility Ally goes and get sonething valuable there. There seems to be room there for another player. We're allowed to match with picks within 18 of a bid on an Academy player? Theres a lot of good players in this draft. Neyland amd Quinn definitely but maybe we get lucky and they go a little lower.
Yes I know theres the Tasmania entry but I think it won't just be Tassie players that will be in their sights. They can select a player from each club thats not the chosen protected player by the club thats targeted?
I never said she was Zippy but she has star quality that clearly shows through.

It is possible that Neyland is not bid on before our first pick in which case, Eureka! Otherwise there is no sense us keeping a bid much more than 10-15 after we think she'll be bid on (need to leave some wiggle room) because we'll just burn the surplus matching the bid. That's why it makes sense to trade back. I don't know if it is possible for us to effect a trade after a bid has been placed on our player (I think that would be pretty dodgy to allow that - but it would certainly help us if we could because then we'd have the certainty about what bid we could use to match).

It's conceivable we could try the procedure that we used to get Rowbottom - trade out our pick and then trade back in after we have matched the bid on Neyland.

I really hope we don't lose Ally and that there's not much in that. Why would she want to leave? She's from NSW. It's an unsettling rumour.