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Strategy List build: Draft, trade 2025-2026

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Overall, i think we should be pretty happy

We were one loss away from getting Bown and it would have been nice to get McMillan but i think the 3 talks we got were great selections
We prob had to take Barwin as our F50 is pretty diabolical
 
Mollythedolly said:
Look forward to seeing all 6 of these players along with the other offseason additions in 2026.
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Yep
Winning the priority in 2027 onwards
2026 is all about developing our young players and learning / adapting to an attacking game plan
Skills need to improve
We need to get bigger and faster / athletic
One more strong draft at the end of next year and it’s all go to try the climb to the top
 
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Jen2310 said:
Thoughts on the crop Pie 4 Life ?
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Trengove - a little early but I do love her as a player. She's a ripper with upside, so don't mind it. One of the best ground coverers (if that's a word haha) I've seen. Will kick from the wing to HF and suddenly be in the pocket to be on a lead for that next kick.

Smith - very early and very different to the rest. She's a skilful outside player, few more question marks (re: hardness) than the others for mine, but we need players who can kick and she can certainly do that. Good overhead too and can play multiple lines.

Barwin - steal, absolute defensive beast with some tricks, will add spark to our forwardline. Can play up the ground as well. Oozes X-factor.

Bamford - steal, finally we have a ruck, and not just a ruck but elite athlete. Like explosive midfielder athlete. Not a great kick (more like a ruck), but everything else is very good.

Argus - I had her as top three from the State Draft Combine and really rated her. Nice left-footer, competitor, can play half-back, wing or inside. Good inside and outside, upside as well.

Neuwirth - Value at this selection. Competitive key defender, really athletic. Fits a need and was not at all surprised by the pick.

Overall fairly happy, Barwin, Bamford and Trengove are all genuine guns. Smith is clearly the most skilful of the group but lacks that competitive beast attitude but in saying that, it stands out because every other player in this group is a competitive beast so maybe it was designed to be a point of difference. Argus and Neuwirth have potential to be long-term players as well and were value picks.

Overall I'd say an 8/10 so reasonably happy.
 
Jen2310 said:
A key defender! Hopefully someone we can pair with Cronin

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We basically have the Oakleigh Chargers premiership defence of the last couple of seasons... Cronin, Brewer, Rigoni and now Neuwirth...
 
Pie 4 Life said:
We basically have the Oakleigh Chargers premiership defence of the last couple of seasons... Cronin, Brewer, Rigoni and now Neuwirth...
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Fingers crossed that's a good sign for us haha. We don't mind a charger.
 
Putting this here for handy links to https://central.rookieme.com/ - for quick bio, stats and highlight vid. Added in their height, position that is listed at time of the draft and the snapshot listed.

ROUND 1

Pick 8: Collingwood – Imogen Trengove (WWT Eagles/South Australia) : height: 164cm / Utility.
SNAPSHOT: “A natural leader with an elite all-round athletic base and terrific versatility.”

Pick 23: Collingwood – Amy Smith (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro) : height: 173cm / Utility.
SNAPSHOT: “A highly skilled utility who cracked into Vic Metro’s side this season off the back of some strong early season form.”


ROUND 2

Pick 28: Collingwood – Mischa Barwin (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania : height: 166cm / Forward-Midfielder
SNAPSHOT: “A talented forward/midfielder who oozes X-factor and boasts terrific defensive pressure.”


Pick 29: Collingwood – Josephine Bamford (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro) : height: 183cm / Ruck
SNAPSHOT: “A remarkably explosive ruck who acts like a fourth midfielder with her ball-winning ability and defensive pressure.”


ROUND 3

Pick 41: Collingwood – Matilda Argus (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country) : height: 166cm / Midfielder-Defender.
SNAPSHOT: “A skillful left-footer who reads the play well and can impact across multiple lines.”

Pick 48: Collingwood – Zara Neuwirth (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro) : height: 183cm / Key Defender
SNAPSHOT: “An athletic key position back with a great defensive team-first attitude.”


--------------

I'm pretty excited now and can't wait to see them at ground level, although to be fair there's some young bodies in there so it'll take time. Geez luvin' Bamford's reel .... I counted 6 tackles, 4 of which were run downs! ... .and her movements within traffic!

Also Argus .... man just keep her running out from the backline with her left foot. I don't think we ever had a proper running back that can actually kick the ball, maybe Schleicher but they're different players.
 
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We will look a very different team next season. I will have to temper my expectations, given the youth of the new girls. But any improvement will be welcome, as we transition away from the stodgy constipated style of footy of the last few seasons.

Do we have the coaching and development staff we need to do this?
 

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Vicky Park said:
We will look a very different team next season. I will have to temper my expectations, given the youth of the new girls. But any improvement will be welcome, as we transition away from the stodgy constipated style of footy of the last few seasons.

Do we have the coaching and development staff we need to do this?
Click to expand...
It’s kind of funny because we’ve drafted predominantly players who are self-driven so they will likely lift the intensity of the group and standards with it, and Trengove is at the front of that too. She’s future captain material.
 
Pie 4 Life said:
Trengove - a little early but I do love her as a player. She's a ripper with upside, so don't mind it. One of the best ground coverers (if that's a word haha) I've seen. Will kick from the wing to HF and suddenly be in the pocket to be on a lead for that next kick.

Smith - very early and very different to the rest. She's a skilful outside player, few more question marks (re: hardness) than the others for mine, but we need players who can kick and she can certainly do that. Good overhead too and can play multiple lines.

Barwin - steal, absolute defensive beast with some tricks, will add spark to our forwardline. Can play up the ground as well. Oozes X-factor.

Bamford - steal, finally we have a ruck, and not just a ruck but elite athlete. Like explosive midfielder athlete. Not a great kick (more like a ruck), but everything else is very good.

Argus - I had her as top three from the State Draft Combine and really rated her. Nice left-footer, competitor, can play half-back, wing or inside. Good inside and outside, upside as well.

Neuwirth - Value at this selection. Competitive key defender, really athletic. Fits a need and was not at all surprised by the pick.

Overall fairly happy, Barwin, Bamford and Trengove are all genuine guns. Smith is clearly the most skilful of the group but lacks that competitive beast attitude but in saying that, it stands out because every other player in this group is a competitive beast so maybe it was designed to be a point of difference. Argus and Neuwirth have potential to be long-term players as well and were value picks.

Overall I'd say an 8/10 so reasonably happy.
Click to expand...
I have been critical of our list management in the past, but l think they have drafted well.
At least we have taken note of our many deficiencies and drafted for need.
I like we have drafted in a few players who can cover the ground in Trengrove, Smith and Barwin.
Bamford already is our most aerobic and athletic ruck on the list. Looks like she plays as a ruck/midfielder. I really like her follow up efforts after a tap out.
I like Argus as a player. Left footers always look better for some reason!.. l think she will be handy coming off HB with her kicking. Something we need, a good user of the footy from our D50.
Getting Neuwirth as a future key back, was a nice way to finish off the draft. She will take a season or two, eventhough Cronin needs help now, but Neuwirth looks really exciting.
So well done to the list management team. A good draft, whilst l think our acquisitions pre-draft have also helped strengthen our areas of deficiencies, particularly in the height area, with Hetherington, Nankivell and Lewis.
I also like Rigoni coming across from Melbourne. I think she will be a standout in our side. She managed 8 games this past season including a final for Melbourne, so she will fit in nicely with us...
 
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The 2025 AFLW National Draft didn’t wrap up long ago, but recruiters are already turning their attention to the 2026 crop of future stars.
And while 2024 was dubbed a ‘super draft,’ there’s plenty of optimism surrounding next year’s pool, particularly a strong South Australian contingent.

Here are 10 players – in no particular order – to watch in 2026.
Click to expand...

BAILEE MARTIN ​

Tall Forward | 176cm | Oakleigh Chargers

If Olivia Wolmarans was the No. 1 pick as a key forward this year, then Bailee Martin could follow in her footsteps in 2026. Martin put her name on the map with an insane Coates League season, kicking 42 goals in 10 games for the Chargers, headlined by bags of nine in round one against the Northern Knights and seven versus the Calder Canons. She also kicked seven goals against Vic Country at the Under-18 National Championships, cementing her place in the All-Australian side as a bottom-ager.

MAJELLA DAY ​

Tall Forward | 175cm | GWS Academy

Next year’s draft pool is brimming with key position stars and Day is one of the best. Splitting her time between the Giants Academy and the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates League, Day kicked 30 goals in 11 games, including a bag of six against the Devils. She also snagged three majors against Queensland and Vic Metro at the Under-18 national championships to earn All-Australian selection as a bottom-ager. Shares a lot of the same strengths as Martin, but the Giants should get first dibs on her at the draft.

CARA DZIEGIELEWSKI ​

Ruck/Forward | 181cm | West Perth

Dziegielewski is Western Australia’s leading prospect heading into 2026 after being named the All-Australian ruck at the Under-18 national championships this year as a bottom-ager. A former national high jumper, the West Perth star is the perfect blend of height and athleticism. She’s a massive threat in the air but can also hurt you around the ground.

EMMA CHARLTON ​

Midfielder | 160cm | South Adelaide

She’s the little sister of Adelaide forward Teah Charlton, but Emma is quickly making a name for herself as a No. 1 pick contender. From South Australia’s MVP and All-Australian selection as a bottom-ager at the Under-18 national championships to best on ground in the SANFLW grand final, Charlton won it all this year. She hits targets, she’s strong in the air and she bursts away from stoppages. Hard to find many faults.

LEXI STRACHAN ​

Midfielder | 167cm | West Perth

Meet WA’s prime midfield mover in 2026. The strength of the Sandgropers’ on-ball division pushed Strachan out onto a wing at the Under-18 National Championships, but she’s tipped for a starring role next year. A no-fuss footballer, the West Perth star has already developed great chemistry with teammate and fellow first-round fancy Cara Dziegielewski.

HARLEE MCILWAIN ​

Tall Forward | 176cm| Brisbane Lions Academy

Brisbane loaded up on future picks in the trade period with one thing in mind – its 2026 Academy crop. While Gold Coast dominated the first round this year, the Lions are optimistic they’re set to inject some top-end talent next year and McIlwain could be one of them. The key forward was named in the All-Australian team at the 2024 Under-16 national championships after booting 10 goals against Gold Coast. She kicked nine in four games for the Lions in the Coates League this year, but just as impressive is her defensive pressure.

MIA GEERE ​

Utility | 170cm | Brisbane Lions Academy

Like McIlwain, Geere was named in the All-Australian team at the Under-16 National Championships. An explosive midfielder who can impact on the outside and around the ball, Geere has also shown promise at half-back. She’s been a standout in the QAFLW for several years now, winning the league’s goal of the year award two years in a row playing for Wilston Grange.

BRYLEE ANDERSON ​

Midfielder | 172cm | Eastern Ranges

The younger sister of Hawthorn’s Cody Anderson, Brylee put her name on the map after winning Vic Metro’s MVP award at the Under-16 national championships. Anderson’s form continued this year and she recently took out the Ranges’ Coates League best and fairest as a bottom-ager. A natural ball winner who gives her side a different dynamic around the ball, Anderson is shaping up as one of Victoria’s top prospects.

TAYA MAXWELL ​

Utility | 184cm | South Adelaide

It’s probably easier to list what positions Taya Maxwell can’t play instead of the ones she can. She could genuinely be anything. She pairs athleticism with strength. She launches the footy, but she’s also skilful. At 184cm, she’s got incredible upside. Injury cut her national championships short, but with a big 2026, there’s no reason why she can’t emerge as a top-end draft prospect.

EMILY MABLESON ​

Defender/Midfielder | 170cm | West Adelaide

Another one from South Australia’s 2026 pipeline, Mableson is already arguably one of the most complete players in the draft. One of the best decision makers in the SANFLW, Mableson racked up high numbers but consistently used the footy at over 70 per cent efficiency. South Australia’s MVP at the Under-16 national championships, the West Adelaide product ticks a lot of boxes at half-back, with scope to move into the midfield in the future.
 
Jen2310 said:



BAILEE MARTIN ​

Tall Forward | 176cm | Oakleigh Chargers

If Olivia Wolmarans was the No. 1 pick as a key forward this year, then Bailee Martin could follow in her footsteps in 2026. Martin put her name on the map with an insane Coates League season, kicking 42 goals in 10 games for the Chargers, headlined by bags of nine in round one against the Northern Knights and seven versus the Calder Canons. She also kicked seven goals against Vic Country at the Under-18 National Championships, cementing her place in the All-Australian side as a bottom-ager.

MAJELLA DAY ​

Tall Forward | 175cm | GWS Academy

Next year’s draft pool is brimming with key position stars and Day is one of the best. Splitting her time between the Giants Academy and the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates League, Day kicked 30 goals in 11 games, including a bag of six against the Devils. She also snagged three majors against Queensland and Vic Metro at the Under-18 national championships to earn All-Australian selection as a bottom-ager. Shares a lot of the same strengths as Martin, but the Giants should get first dibs on her at the draft.

CARA DZIEGIELEWSKI ​

Ruck/Forward | 181cm | West Perth

Dziegielewski is Western Australia’s leading prospect heading into 2026 after being named the All-Australian ruck at the Under-18 national championships this year as a bottom-ager. A former national high jumper, the West Perth star is the perfect blend of height and athleticism. She’s a massive threat in the air but can also hurt you around the ground.

EMMA CHARLTON ​

Midfielder | 160cm | South Adelaide

She’s the little sister of Adelaide forward Teah Charlton, but Emma is quickly making a name for herself as a No. 1 pick contender. From South Australia’s MVP and All-Australian selection as a bottom-ager at the Under-18 national championships to best on ground in the SANFLW grand final, Charlton won it all this year. She hits targets, she’s strong in the air and she bursts away from stoppages. Hard to find many faults.

LEXI STRACHAN ​

Midfielder | 167cm | West Perth

Meet WA’s prime midfield mover in 2026. The strength of the Sandgropers’ on-ball division pushed Strachan out onto a wing at the Under-18 National Championships, but she’s tipped for a starring role next year. A no-fuss footballer, the West Perth star has already developed great chemistry with teammate and fellow first-round fancy Cara Dziegielewski.

HARLEE MCILWAIN ​

Tall Forward | 176cm| Brisbane Lions Academy

Brisbane loaded up on future picks in the trade period with one thing in mind – its 2026 Academy crop. While Gold Coast dominated the first round this year, the Lions are optimistic they’re set to inject some top-end talent next year and McIlwain could be one of them. The key forward was named in the All-Australian team at the 2024 Under-16 national championships after booting 10 goals against Gold Coast. She kicked nine in four games for the Lions in the Coates League this year, but just as impressive is her defensive pressure.

MIA GEERE ​

Utility | 170cm | Brisbane Lions Academy

Like McIlwain, Geere was named in the All-Australian team at the Under-16 National Championships. An explosive midfielder who can impact on the outside and around the ball, Geere has also shown promise at half-back. She’s been a standout in the QAFLW for several years now, winning the league’s goal of the year award two years in a row playing for Wilston Grange.

BRYLEE ANDERSON ​

Midfielder | 172cm | Eastern Ranges

The younger sister of Hawthorn’s Cody Anderson, Brylee put her name on the map after winning Vic Metro’s MVP award at the Under-16 national championships. Anderson’s form continued this year and she recently took out the Ranges’ Coates League best and fairest as a bottom-ager. A natural ball winner who gives her side a different dynamic around the ball, Anderson is shaping up as one of Victoria’s top prospects.

TAYA MAXWELL ​

Utility | 184cm | South Adelaide

It’s probably easier to list what positions Taya Maxwell can’t play instead of the ones she can. She could genuinely be anything. She pairs athleticism with strength. She launches the footy, but she’s also skilful. At 184cm, she’s got incredible upside. Injury cut her national championships short, but with a big 2026, there’s no reason why she can’t emerge as a top-end draft prospect.

EMILY MABLESON ​

Defender/Midfielder | 170cm | West Adelaide

Another one from South Australia’s 2026 pipeline, Mableson is already arguably one of the most complete players in the draft. One of the best decision makers in the SANFLW, Mableson racked up high numbers but consistently used the footy at over 70 per cent efficiency. South Australia’s MVP at the Under-16 national championships, the West Adelaide product ticks a lot of boxes at half-back, with scope to move into the midfield in the future.
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I think we're one more draft away from starting to consolidate/ build

Need to get our hands on one of the star FFs - Martin / Maxwell...or trade up and grab both!
Then a couple mids with early second rounds and then launch
 
SchuPie said:
I think we're one more draft away from starting to consolidate/ build

Need to get our hands on one of the star FFs - Martin / Maxwell...or trade up and grab both!
Then a couple mids with early second rounds and then launch
Click to expand...
A tall forward would complement our list, and probably a couple elite mids to play alongside Centra.
 

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magpie_marty said:
Is she trotting around this year Jen?
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I believe we heard she was given a 1 year extension.
But ideally we have one of the newbies taking her spot.
 
I've done some research and put in the list of contract updates in the OP.


1. I figure draftees now get 2 year contracts
Only player I wasn't sure about is Hetherington, we got from north. I assume its a 2 year deal. I assume we would have had to offer more than 1.

2026
Sabrina Frederick
Eliza James
Brianna Davey
Imogen Barnett
Georgia Knight
Mattea Breed
Sarah Rowe
Ruby Schleicher
Lauren Butler
KellyAnn Hogan
Violet Patterson
KellyAnn Hogan
Violet Patterson
Lauren Butler
KellyAnn Hogan
Violet Patterson
Tarni White
Carly Remmos
Kalinda Howarth
Charlotte Brewer


2027
Jordyn Allen
Britt Bonnici
Ash Centra
Amber Schutte
Lucy Cronin
Airlie Runnells
Imogen Trengrove
Amy Smith
Mischa Barwon
Josephine Bamford
Matilda Argus
Zara Neuwirth
Jemma Rigoni
Ariana Hetherington
Olivia Lewis
Maisie Nankivell
 
3066 said:
Hey Jen2310 ... I know it's their offseason, but have you seen any of the AFLW players training at all?
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I'm sure they are in their own time. Sometimes I see social media stuff of some at the club. I guess its only been 8 weeks or so since the season ended and some are sill on 'break', so would think over the next couple months we should start to see more of it.
 

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