With four brand new teams joining the mix in season seven of the competition, new names are set to join the expanding competition. Here are ten of the top prospects.
As the AFLW is in the process of completing its expansion to 18 teams, competition to find talent has also gone up a gear. The four new clubs – Sydney, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Essendon – dominate the top of the order, combining to own all of the first 13 picks.
The order’s top 10, starting with the first pick, goes: Sydney, Hawthorn, Port, Essendon, Sydney, Hawthorn, Port, Essendon, Hawthorn, Hawthorn. Before it opens up to established outfits starting with West Coast at 14, the League’s newest sides will have hand-picked some very quality prospects. And there are plenty to choose from this year.
Unlike in the men’s Draft, prospective players are able to nominate a state, where only clubs from that part of the country can consider them. So with all that in mind, here are ten of the best prospects.
Embed from Getty ImagesMontana Ham (Western Jets / Vic Metro)
Many are touting the Victorian footballer as the likely first pick. Ham, who is known for her versatility as a midfielder and forward, is tipped to be joining expansion team Sydney after nominating for the NSW draft zone.
The 18-year-old has impressed during her time with Vic Metro recently. She also had a stellar performance during the under-23 All Stars game for the Academy team.
Ham’s on-field performance saw her collect 19 disposals, four clearances, five marks and two goals. Ham has even been likened to Carlton’s Patrick Cripps due to her height and ability to win the ball.
Cynthia Hamilton (Queanbeyan / GWS Academy)
Hamilton looks set to join her sister and current North Melbourne player Lexi in the AFLW ranks. The midfielder is known for her IQ, clean possession and quick decision making.
The midfielder is the fourth of six kids, catching the attention of the public after playing in the under-19 championships as a 17-year-old in 2021. The young Canberran’s impressive achievements include being a two-time junior All-Australian and MVP for the Allies in the NAB AFLW Under-18 championships.
Embed from Getty ImagesJasmine Fleming (Ashburton / Oakleigh Charges)
She follows in the footsteps of a family full of athletic talents, including her own father Damien who previously played for the Australian cricket team.
It’s now the midfielder’s turn to step up and show the league her own talent.
After previously dabbling in cricket, representing Victoria at junior level and playing women’s premier cricket at the age 12, Fleming now has sights set on the Sherrin. With her footballing modelled on both the styles of Patrick Dangerfield and Richmond’s Monique Conti, there’s no doubt that she’ll be a value in the league.
Sofia Hurley (Port Melbourne / Sandringham Dragons)
The Best and Fairest winner for Sandringham in 2021, Hurley is tipped to be on the radar for the Sydney Swans. The mid particularly impressed her coaches after dominating in a midfield battle involving Charlie Rowbottom (Suns), Amanda Ling (Bulldogs) and Eliza James (Collingwood).
At 166cm, Hurley is an elite ball-winner and tackling machine, known for her speed and endurance.
In one game for Sandringham she amassed six inside-50s, seven tackles and 23 disposals.
Embed from Getty ImagesAmber Clarke (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)
A recent winner of the NAB League Girls Best and Fairest, Clarke is set to attract the attention of a Victorian club during Wednesday’s Draft night.
The elite athleticism, top end speed and football IQ makes her an intriguing prospect.
The star Stingray bagged five goals in a game against the Geelong Falcons.
Mackenzie Eardley (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)
Eardley has proven herself as one of the best prospects this year after stellar performances with the Dandenong Stingrays, earning All-Australian honours.
In her under-18 season she averaged 16.5 disposals, 2.5 rebound 50s and a goal. When it comes to being a footballer, she is known to be versatile.
Offensively, she’s a sharp kick and a talented mark of the ball, with an ability to impact the scoreboard.
Embed from Getty ImagesElla Roberts (Peel Thunder / Western Australia)
Roberts is the top Draft prospect from WA and one of two from the west to make the 2022 AFLW National Championships U18 All-Australian team.
Among her strengths, Roberts possesses clean ball handling. In 27 WAFLW games, she tallied 22 goals.
With Roberts nominating for WA, it’s looking likely that she’ll be bound for the West Coast Eagles, offering good smarts and foot work proven useful in front of the goals.
Embed from Getty ImagesHannah Ewings (North Adelaide / South Australia)
The South Adelaide midfielder is set to cause a stir, in the frame to be taken as Port Adelaide’s first ever pick.
At 163cm, Ewings’ combination of ball-hunting and speed makes her dangerous around stoppages. Those traits make her a threat inside forward 50 as well, boasting a kicking efficiency upwards of 70%.
Embed from Getty ImagesCharlotte Baskaran (Western Jets / Vic Metro)
A premiership captain for the Western Jets, Baskaran will be a high pick. With a netball and athletics background, the Victorian mid possesses eye-catching speed and decision-making. The fact she only turned her full attention to footy at 16 adds interest to her potential.
Whilst only at 162cm, Baskaran has proven she’s a strong defender, averaging 6.6 tackles in the NAB League.
Embed from Getty ImagesBridie Hipwell (Sandringham Dragons / Vic Metro)
Versatility is a strong suit of Hipwell’s as she can hold down in defence, dominate in midfield and also play in attack. She’s strong above head, accurate by foot and a proactive defender.
