| AFLW 2019 Round 1 COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG Time & Place: Saturday 2nd February, 6:45pm EDT Kardinia Park, Geelong TV: 7mate 6.30pm EDT Weather: Min 14 Max 32 Chance of rain 5%: < 1mm Wind: E 16kph Betting: Collingwood $1.64 Geelong $2.27 |
The increase from eight teams to 10 teams has brought with it the introduction of a controversial conference system.
The
10 sides have been split into two pools, with each club still playing
seven matches across the home-and-away season. Teams face the other four
sides in their conference, as well as playing three cross-conference
games, meaning not all clubs play each other during the year.
The
top two teams from each conference qualify for preliminary finals, with
the prelim winners playing off the following weekend for the
premiership.Most of the rule changes being introduced to the men’s competition this year – including starting positions at centre bounces – have also been brought into AFLW, while a handful of AFLW specific rule changes, notably that boundary throw-ins will be 10 metres inside the boundary line, have also been made.
Let’s take a look at how the 10 clubs shape up ahead of the opening round, which begins next Saturday night in Geelong.
Conference A
Co-captains: Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall
Coach: Matthew Clarke
Squad: Sarah Allan, Ailish Considine (rookie), Dayna Cox, Courtney Cramey, Angela Foley, Jessica Foley, Renee Forth, Nikki Gore, Anne Hatchard, Jasmyn Hewett, Eloise Jones, Sophie Li, Rheanne Lugg, Ebony Marinoff, Hannah Martin, Jenna McCormick, Rhiannon Metcalfe, Justine Mules, Maisie Nankivell (rookie), Sarah Perkins, Erin Phillips, Danielle Ponter, Marijana Rajcic, Chelsea Randall, Sally Riley, Katelyn Rosenzweig, Chloe Scheer, Jess Sedunary, Stevie-Lee Thompson, Deni Varnhagen
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| Back and firing: Erin Phillips. Credit: AAP |
Key player: Erin Phillips
Far and away the standout player of season one, Philips’ influence was curbed last year by a quad injury but fit and firing ahead of the 2019 campaign, expect the dynamic Adelaide co-captain to yet again be a force to be reckoned with.
Far and away the standout player of season one, Philips’ influence was curbed last year by a quad injury but fit and firing ahead of the 2019 campaign, expect the dynamic Adelaide co-captain to yet again be a force to be reckoned with.
How they went last year: Fifth (3-3-1)
The Crows were still a fighting chance to make the grand final until the last day of the home and away season but, with Phillips banged up, they were unable to generate the momentum of season one.
Prediction: Preliminary finalists
Hurt by the loss of ruck Rhiannon Metcalfe to a season-ending knee injury sustained in last weekend’s practice match win over Fremantle, but there is plenty of talent on this list, and the Crows would be buoyed by the practice match form of forward Chloe Scheer, who could be vital addition this year.
Fremantle
Key player: Ebony Antonio
The versatile former basketballer has been one of the Dockers’ most consistent players across the first two seasons of AFLW and was a deserved winner of the club’s best and fairest award last year.
How they went last year: Seventh (3-4)
The Crows were still a fighting chance to make the grand final until the last day of the home and away season but, with Phillips banged up, they were unable to generate the momentum of season one.
Prediction: Preliminary finalists
Hurt by the loss of ruck Rhiannon Metcalfe to a season-ending knee injury sustained in last weekend’s practice match win over Fremantle, but there is plenty of talent on this list, and the Crows would be buoyed by the practice match form of forward Chloe Scheer, who could be vital addition this year.
Fremantle
Captain: Kara Donnellan
Coach: Trent Cooper
Squad: Ebony Antonio, Ashlee Atkins, Kiara Bowers, Tayla Bresland, Stephanie Cain, Mel Caulfield, Cassie Davidson, Kara Donnellan, Ebony Dowson, Sabreena Duffy, Kellie Gibson, Evie Gooch, Katie-Jayne Grieve, Dana Hooker, Gemma Houghton, Alicia Janz, Parris Laurie, Leah Mascall, Tayla McAuliffe, Hayley Miller, Brianna Moyes (rookie), Gabby O’Sullivan, Laura Pugh, Matilda Sergeant, Philipa Seth, Matilda Sergeant, Ashley Sharp, Angelique Stannett (rookie), Jasmin Stewart, Courtney Stubbs, Alex Williams
Coach: Trent Cooper
Squad: Ebony Antonio, Ashlee Atkins, Kiara Bowers, Tayla Bresland, Stephanie Cain, Mel Caulfield, Cassie Davidson, Kara Donnellan, Ebony Dowson, Sabreena Duffy, Kellie Gibson, Evie Gooch, Katie-Jayne Grieve, Dana Hooker, Gemma Houghton, Alicia Janz, Parris Laurie, Leah Mascall, Tayla McAuliffe, Hayley Miller, Brianna Moyes (rookie), Gabby O’Sullivan, Laura Pugh, Matilda Sergeant, Philipa Seth, Matilda Sergeant, Ashley Sharp, Angelique Stannett (rookie), Jasmin Stewart, Courtney Stubbs, Alex Williams
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| Versatile and consistent: Ebony Antonio. Credit: AAP |
The versatile former basketballer has been one of the Dockers’ most consistent players across the first two seasons of AFLW and was a deserved winner of the club’s best and fairest award last year.
How they went last year: Seventh (3-4)
Fremantle
had their moments, including a narrow win over premiership fancies
Melbourne in round three, but overall it was another disappointing
campaign for the Dockers, whose inaugural coach Michelle Cowan parted
ways with the club at the end of the season.
Prediction: Fifth in conference
It’s hard to be all that optimistic about Fremantle, who are hamstrung by a relative lack of depth in Western Australia, and the fact they haven’t been able to retain some of the state’s most promising talent. Excitingly however first-year marquee player Kiara Bowers is finally ready to play after missing the first two seasons of AFLW through injury.
Melbourne
Prediction: Fifth in conference
It’s hard to be all that optimistic about Fremantle, who are hamstrung by a relative lack of depth in Western Australia, and the fact they haven’t been able to retain some of the state’s most promising talent. Excitingly however first-year marquee player Kiara Bowers is finally ready to play after missing the first two seasons of AFLW through injury.
Melbourne
Co-captains: Elise O’Dea and Shelley Scott
Coach: Mick Stinear
Squad: Madeline Brancatisano, Harriet Cordner, Tegan Cunningham, Meg Downie, Chantel Emonson (rookie), Madison Gay, Madeleine Guerin, Ashleigh Guest, Tyla Hanks, Shelley Heath, Jordann Hickey, Kate Hore, Bianca Jakobsson, Ainslie Kemp, Sarah Lampard, Lily Mithen, Aliesha Newman, Elise O’Dea, Brooke Patterson, Karen Paxman, Lauren Pearce, Catherine Phillips, Talia Radan, Shelley Scott, Casey Sherriff, Shae Sloane (rookie), Katherine Smith, Claudia Whitfort, Ashleigh Woodland, Eden Zanker
Coach: Mick Stinear
Squad: Madeline Brancatisano, Harriet Cordner, Tegan Cunningham, Meg Downie, Chantel Emonson (rookie), Madison Gay, Madeleine Guerin, Ashleigh Guest, Tyla Hanks, Shelley Heath, Jordann Hickey, Kate Hore, Bianca Jakobsson, Ainslie Kemp, Sarah Lampard, Lily Mithen, Aliesha Newman, Elise O’Dea, Brooke Patterson, Karen Paxman, Lauren Pearce, Catherine Phillips, Talia Radan, Shelley Scott, Casey Sherriff, Shae Sloane (rookie), Katherine Smith, Claudia Whitfort, Ashleigh Woodland, Eden Zanker
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The Demons will be looking to Karen Paxman
for depth and experience.
Credit: Wayne Ludbey |
The veteran half-back/midfielder has been one of Melbourne’s standouts in the first couple of seasons, and she will need to stand up in the absence of Mel Hickey and Daisy Pearce.
How they went last year: Third (4-3)
For the second year running it was a case of so close yet so far for the Demons, who look brilliant at times but rued a costly loss to Collingwood in Alice Springs before narrowly going down to the Western Bulldogs in what was effectively a preliminary final in the last round of the season.
Prediction: Fourth in conference
Melbourne’s depth will be tested this season with inaugural skipper Pearce missing the campaign because of pregnancy, and Hickey defecting to Geelong. There are still plenty of quality players on the list but this looms as a tough conference.
Melbourne’s depth will be tested this season with inaugural skipper Pearce missing the campaign because of pregnancy, and Hickey defecting to Geelong. There are still plenty of quality players on the list but this looms as a tough conference.
North Melbourne
Captain: Emma Kearney
Coach: Scott Gowans
Squad: Sophie Abbatangelo, Kaitlyn Ashmore, Daria Bannister, Daisy Bateman, Nicole Bresnehan, Jenna Bruton, Alison Drennan, Jess Duffin, Jasmine Garner, Brittany Gibson, Katherine Gillespie-Jones, Jasmine Grierson, Chloe Haines, Libby Haines, Danielle Hardiman, Moana Hope, Emma Humphries, Emma Kearney, Elisha King, Emma King, Beth Lynch (rookie), Taylor Mesiti, Courteney Munn, Georgia Nanscawen, Tahlia Randall, Ash Riddell, Jamie Stanton, Maddison Smith, Jess Trend, Jessie Williams (rookie)
Key player: Emma Kearney
The reigning AFLW best and fairest was the biggest of North’s signings, and with good reason. The midfielder was in impeccable touch last season, helping take the Western Bulldogs to the premiership, and having given up cricket says she is the fittest she has been for a while.
Prediction: Grand finalists
Western Bulldogs
Coach: Scott Gowans
Squad: Sophie Abbatangelo, Kaitlyn Ashmore, Daria Bannister, Daisy Bateman, Nicole Bresnehan, Jenna Bruton, Alison Drennan, Jess Duffin, Jasmine Garner, Brittany Gibson, Katherine Gillespie-Jones, Jasmine Grierson, Chloe Haines, Libby Haines, Danielle Hardiman, Moana Hope, Emma Humphries, Emma Kearney, Elisha King, Emma King, Beth Lynch (rookie), Taylor Mesiti, Courteney Munn, Georgia Nanscawen, Tahlia Randall, Ash Riddell, Jamie Stanton, Maddison Smith, Jess Trend, Jessie Williams (rookie)
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Roo coup: Reigning AFLW
best and fairest Emma Kearney.
Credit: Eddie Jim |
The reigning AFLW best and fairest was the biggest of North’s signings, and with good reason. The midfielder was in impeccable touch last season, helping take the Western Bulldogs to the premiership, and having given up cricket says she is the fittest she has been for a while.
Prediction: Grand finalists
Much
like North Melbourne did in the VFL in the early 1970s, the Roos
launched an aggressive hunt to land some of the best AFLW talent around,
ruffling some feathers in the process. The result is a stacked list,
one that looks capable of challenging for a premiership in the club’s
first season.
Western Bulldogs
Co-captains: Ellie Blackburn and Katie Brennan
Coach: Paul Groves
Squad: Kate Bartlett, Deanna Berry, Libby Birch, Ellie Blackburn, Tessa Boyd (rookie), Katie Brennan, Eleanor Brown, Nicole Callinan, Monique Conti, Jessie Davies, Tiarna Ernst, Naomi Ferres, Ellyse Gamble, Angelica Gogos, Bailey Hunt, Isabel Huntington, Selena Karlson, Kirsty Lamb, Brooke Lochland, Emma Mackie, Aisling McCarthy, Kirsten McLeod, Celine Moody (rookie), Kim Rennie, Hannah Scott, Belinda Smith, Lauren Spark, Bonnie Toogood, Aisling Utri, Hayley Wildes
Key player: Ellie Blackburn
Blackburn captained the Bulldogs to the 2018 premiership with Brennan sidelined through suspension. Half-forward/midfielder Blackburn has been one of the Dogs’ best across the first two seasons, and is likely to be called on to spend more time in the midfield this year to help cover the loss of Kearney and Jenna Bruton.
How they went last year: Premiers (5-2 then beat Brisbane in grand final)
The Dogs started the season brightly and were in the box seat for a grand final spot all the way, but still needed to beat the Demons in a thrilling final-round clash before clinching their spot. Despite a dramatic grand final week in which Brennan failed to avoid suspension, the Dogs edged the Lions in a wet decider to claim their first AFLW flag.
Prediction: Third in conference
The Dogs’ depth was a key to their premiership last year, with lesser lights regularly bobbing up to play important roles. They will again need the second tier to come to the fore, with Kearney having departed and leading goalkicker Brooke Lochland set to miss most if not all of the season with a fractured leg. In better news 2017’s No. 1 draft pick Isabel Huntington avoided a third knee reconstruction following a scare late last year, but is still unlikely to play until the back half of the campaign.
Coach: Paul Groves
Squad: Kate Bartlett, Deanna Berry, Libby Birch, Ellie Blackburn, Tessa Boyd (rookie), Katie Brennan, Eleanor Brown, Nicole Callinan, Monique Conti, Jessie Davies, Tiarna Ernst, Naomi Ferres, Ellyse Gamble, Angelica Gogos, Bailey Hunt, Isabel Huntington, Selena Karlson, Kirsty Lamb, Brooke Lochland, Emma Mackie, Aisling McCarthy, Kirsten McLeod, Celine Moody (rookie), Kim Rennie, Hannah Scott, Belinda Smith, Lauren Spark, Bonnie Toogood, Aisling Utri, Hayley Wildes
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Ellie Blackburn will be called on to help
cover key losses to the Bulldogs' lineup.
Credit: Adam Trafford/AFL Media |
Blackburn captained the Bulldogs to the 2018 premiership with Brennan sidelined through suspension. Half-forward/midfielder Blackburn has been one of the Dogs’ best across the first two seasons, and is likely to be called on to spend more time in the midfield this year to help cover the loss of Kearney and Jenna Bruton.
How they went last year: Premiers (5-2 then beat Brisbane in grand final)
The Dogs started the season brightly and were in the box seat for a grand final spot all the way, but still needed to beat the Demons in a thrilling final-round clash before clinching their spot. Despite a dramatic grand final week in which Brennan failed to avoid suspension, the Dogs edged the Lions in a wet decider to claim their first AFLW flag.
Prediction: Third in conference
The Dogs’ depth was a key to their premiership last year, with lesser lights regularly bobbing up to play important roles. They will again need the second tier to come to the fore, with Kearney having departed and leading goalkicker Brooke Lochland set to miss most if not all of the season with a fractured leg. In better news 2017’s No. 1 draft pick Isabel Huntington avoided a third knee reconstruction following a scare late last year, but is still unlikely to play until the back half of the campaign.
Conference B
Captain: Leah Kaslar
Coach: Craig Starcevich
Squad: Ally Anderson, Lauren Arnell, Bella Ayre, Emily Bates, Lauren Bella, Ruby Blair, Shannon Campbell, Arianna Clarke, Gabby Collingwood, McKenzie Dowrick, Jade Ellenger, Nat Exon, Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Natalie Grider, Tori Groves-Little, Megan Hunt, Leah Kaslar, Jessy Keeffe, Breanna Koenen, Kate Lutkins, Kate McCarthy, Brianna McFarlane (rookie), Paige Parker, Emma Pittman, Krystal Scott (rookie), Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw, Sam Virgo, Sharni Webb, Jessica Wuetschner, Jacqui Yorsten, Jordan Zanchetta, Emma Zielke
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On the hunt: Key Lions defender Kate Lutkins.
Credit: AAP |
The defender was one of the most improved players in the competition last season and arguably stiff not to have won the medal for best afield in the grand final, having regularly thwarted Bulldogs’ attacking forays.
How they went last year: (Runners-up, 4-3 then lost grand final to Bulldogs)
Not
even the loss of Tayla Harris to Carlton could stop the Lions, who for
the second straight year defied expectations to make the grand final.
Yet again they were defeated in a thriller, and in a parallel universe
they are vying for a third straight premiership.
Prediction: Fourth in conference
The Lions were one of the biggest victims of North’s recruiting raid, losing several players including important midfielder Kaitlyn Ashmore. Still much of last year’s grand final side remains, and the Lions have also gained the services of former Carlton skipper Lauren Arnell, who provides plenty of experience.
Carlton
Key player: Brianna Davey
Carlton’s promising season fell apart almost from the moment Davey went down with a serious knee injury in the round two win over Greater Western Sydney. The good news is the former Matildas goalkeeper is back, and ready to make a splash in a new role up forward, having kicked four goals in a practice match win over Geelong.
Prediction: Fourth in conference
The Lions were one of the biggest victims of North’s recruiting raid, losing several players including important midfielder Kaitlyn Ashmore. Still much of last year’s grand final side remains, and the Lions have also gained the services of former Carlton skipper Lauren Arnell, who provides plenty of experience.
Carlton
Captain: Brianna Davey
Coach: Daniel Harford
Squad: Shae Audley, Amelia Barden, Kirby Bentley, Lauren Brazzale, Chloe Dalton (rookie), Brianna Davey, Alison Downie, Jess Edwards, Georgia Gee, Kerryn Harrington, Tayla Harris, Reni Hicks, Jess Hosking, Sarah Hosking, Bridie Kennedy, Katie Loynes, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Abbie McKay, Breann Moody, Natalie Plane, Gabriella Pound, Madison Prespakis, Nicola Stevens, Jayde Van Dyk, Darcy Vescio, Brooke Walker (rookie), Rhiannon Watt, Courtney Webb, Charlotte Wilson, Emerson Woods
Coach: Daniel Harford
Squad: Shae Audley, Amelia Barden, Kirby Bentley, Lauren Brazzale, Chloe Dalton (rookie), Brianna Davey, Alison Downie, Jess Edwards, Georgia Gee, Kerryn Harrington, Tayla Harris, Reni Hicks, Jess Hosking, Sarah Hosking, Bridie Kennedy, Katie Loynes, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Abbie McKay, Breann Moody, Natalie Plane, Gabriella Pound, Madison Prespakis, Nicola Stevens, Jayde Van Dyk, Darcy Vescio, Brooke Walker (rookie), Rhiannon Watt, Courtney Webb, Charlotte Wilson, Emerson Woods
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Back from injury: Brianna Davey.
Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Media |
Carlton’s promising season fell apart almost from the moment Davey went down with a serious knee injury in the round two win over Greater Western Sydney. The good news is the former Matildas goalkeeper is back, and ready to make a splash in a new role up forward, having kicked four goals in a practice match win over Geelong.
How they went last year: Eighth (2-5)
There were early wins over Collingwood and the Giants but things quickly turned pear-shaped for the Blues last season. Davey’s serious knee injury coincided with a health issue experienced by coach Damien Keeping, and Carlton couldn’t turn the corner, losing their last five games to collect the wooden spoon, with Keeping leaving shortly after the end of the season.
Prediction: Preliminary finalists
Hope springs eternal, and with new coach Harford - the former Hawthorn and Carlton player and media veteran - at the helm, the Blues loom as one of the most intriguing sides in the competition. If Davey, Harris and Darcy Vescio can all fire, the Blues should have the most potent forward line in the competition.
Collingwood
There were early wins over Collingwood and the Giants but things quickly turned pear-shaped for the Blues last season. Davey’s serious knee injury coincided with a health issue experienced by coach Damien Keeping, and Carlton couldn’t turn the corner, losing their last five games to collect the wooden spoon, with Keeping leaving shortly after the end of the season.
Prediction: Preliminary finalists
Hope springs eternal, and with new coach Harford - the former Hawthorn and Carlton player and media veteran - at the helm, the Blues loom as one of the most intriguing sides in the competition. If Davey, Harris and Darcy Vescio can all fire, the Blues should have the most potent forward line in the competition.
Collingwood
Captain: Steph Chiocci
Coach: Wayne Siekman
Squad: Sophie Alexander, Jordyn Allen, Brittany Bonnici, Ash Brazil, Lauren Butler, Mikala Cann, Sophie Casey, Steph Chiocci, Sarah D’Arcy, Sarah Dargan, Erica Fowler, Georgia Gourlay, Emma Grant, Darcy Guttridge, Nicole Hildebrand, Eliza Hynes, Melissa Kuys, Jaimee Lambert, Sharni Layton (rookie), Stacey Livingstone, Katie Lynch, Jordan Membrey, Cecilia McIntosh, Georgie Parker, Iilish Ross, Sarah Rowe (rookie), Ruby Schleicher, Maddie Shevlin, Kristy Stratton, Holly Whitford
Coach: Wayne Siekman
Squad: Sophie Alexander, Jordyn Allen, Brittany Bonnici, Ash Brazil, Lauren Butler, Mikala Cann, Sophie Casey, Steph Chiocci, Sarah D’Arcy, Sarah Dargan, Erica Fowler, Georgia Gourlay, Emma Grant, Darcy Guttridge, Nicole Hildebrand, Eliza Hynes, Melissa Kuys, Jaimee Lambert, Sharni Layton (rookie), Stacey Livingstone, Katie Lynch, Jordan Membrey, Cecilia McIntosh, Georgie Parker, Iilish Ross, Sarah Rowe (rookie), Ruby Schleicher, Maddie Shevlin, Kristy Stratton, Holly Whitford
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Eyes on the prize: Pie Steph Chiocci.
Credit: AAP |
With Chloe Molloy out for the season, and several key players having departed during the off-season, the skipper is likely to again need to shoulder much of the responsibility across half-back and the midfield.
How they went last year: Sixth (3-4)
For the second year running, the Pies started the season slowly and were effectively out of the finals race by the midway point of the campaign. But yet again they finished the year well, giving hope to a bright future. Siekman’s job appeared shaky at times but the club has stood by him while restructuring the support around him.
Prediction: Fifth in conference
The Pies have plenty of promising kids, but they face an uphill task to make the finals having lost a host of players including Jasmine Garner, Emma King, Christian Bernardi, Mo Hope and Jess Duffin. The biggest setback of all was the loss of star young defender Molloy to a season-ending foot injury. The good news is that by all reports the squad is much happier, with underlying cultural issues having been addressed.
The Pies have plenty of promising kids, but they face an uphill task to make the finals having lost a host of players including Jasmine Garner, Emma King, Christian Bernardi, Mo Hope and Jess Duffin. The biggest setback of all was the loss of star young defender Molloy to a season-ending foot injury. The good news is that by all reports the squad is much happier, with underlying cultural issues having been addressed.
Geelong
Captain: Melissa Hickey
Coach: Paul Hood
Squad: Cassie Blakeway, Maddie Boyd, Hannah Burchall, Rene Caris, Georgia Clarke, Mia-Rae Clifford, Elise Coventry, Richelle Cranston, Julia Crockett-Grills, Kate Darby, Maighan Fogas, Renee Garing, Bec Goring, Mel Hickey, Erin Hoare, Jordan Ivey, Madeline Keryk, Meg McDonald, Maddie McMahon (rookie), Phoebe McWilliams, Nina Morrison, Aasta O’Connor, Daniele Orr, Olivia Purcell, Georgia Rankin (rookie), Denby Taylor, Anna Teague, Hayley Trevean, Sophie Van De Heuvel, Rebecca Webster
Key player: Phoebe McWilliams
The Victorian veteran had an impressive year at Greater Western Sydney and won a premiership with Hawthorn in VFLW too. The tall forward enters the 2019 season on the back of a commanding four-goal haul against Carlton in a practice match last weekend.
Greater Western Sydney
Coach: Paul Hood
Squad: Cassie Blakeway, Maddie Boyd, Hannah Burchall, Rene Caris, Georgia Clarke, Mia-Rae Clifford, Elise Coventry, Richelle Cranston, Julia Crockett-Grills, Kate Darby, Maighan Fogas, Renee Garing, Bec Goring, Mel Hickey, Erin Hoare, Jordan Ivey, Madeline Keryk, Meg McDonald, Maddie McMahon (rookie), Phoebe McWilliams, Nina Morrison, Aasta O’Connor, Daniele Orr, Olivia Purcell, Georgia Rankin (rookie), Denby Taylor, Anna Teague, Hayley Trevean, Sophie Van De Heuvel, Rebecca Webster
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Rivals last year, Phoebe McWilliams and Erin Hoare
have both sign for Geelong.
Credit: AAP |
The Victorian veteran had an impressive year at Greater Western Sydney and won a premiership with Hawthorn in VFLW too. The tall forward enters the 2019 season on the back of a commanding four-goal haul against Carlton in a practice match last weekend.
Prediction: Third in conference
In contrast to expansion sisters North Melbourne, the Cats opted for a more youth-oriented approach to their list build, focusing on local talent as well as a handful of ready-made AFLW performers. On paper they don’t look as imposing as North, but if the likes of No. 1 draft pick Nina Morrison hit their straps early, the Cats could be a handful.
In contrast to expansion sisters North Melbourne, the Cats opted for a more youth-oriented approach to their list build, focusing on local talent as well as a handful of ready-made AFLW performers. On paper they don’t look as imposing as North, but if the likes of No. 1 draft pick Nina Morrison hit their straps early, the Cats could be a handful.
Greater Western Sydney
Captain: Amanda Farrugia
Coach: Alan McConnell
Squad: Jacinda Barclay, Nicola Barr, Rebecca Beeson, Elle Bennetts, Christina Bernardi, Yvonne Bonner (rookie), Ellie Brush, Maddy Collier, Jess Dal Pos, Taylah Davies (rookie), Alicia Eva, Amanda Farrugia, Delma Gisu, Courtney Gum, Tanya Hetherington, Jodie Hicks, Tait Mackrill, Erin McKinnon, Phoebe Monahan, Ingrid Nielsen, Ebony O’Dea, Alyce Parker, Brittany Perry, Pepa Randall, Aimee Schmidt, Cora Staunton, Louise Stephenson, Emma Swanson, Renee Tomkins, Lisa Whiteley, Haneen Zreika
Key player: Erin McKinnon
The young ruck stood tall in 2018, earning All-Australian selection at just 19. With outstanding tap work, McKinnon could be a star of the women’s game for the next decade.
Coach: Alan McConnell
Squad: Jacinda Barclay, Nicola Barr, Rebecca Beeson, Elle Bennetts, Christina Bernardi, Yvonne Bonner (rookie), Ellie Brush, Maddy Collier, Jess Dal Pos, Taylah Davies (rookie), Alicia Eva, Amanda Farrugia, Delma Gisu, Courtney Gum, Tanya Hetherington, Jodie Hicks, Tait Mackrill, Erin McKinnon, Phoebe Monahan, Ingrid Nielsen, Ebony O’Dea, Alyce Parker, Brittany Perry, Pepa Randall, Aimee Schmidt, Cora Staunton, Louise Stephenson, Emma Swanson, Renee Tomkins, Lisa Whiteley, Haneen Zreika
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Standing tall: Young ruck Erin McKinnon
shines for GWS.
Credit: Mark Nolan |
The young ruck stood tall in 2018, earning All-Australian selection at just 19. With outstanding tap work, McKinnon could be a star of the women’s game for the next decade.
How they went last year: Fourth (3-3-1)
Unfancied at the start of the year, the Giants overcame a slow start to their campaign to be in the frame for a grand final spot before a heavy final-round defeat to the Lions. South Australian veteran Courtney Gum was a revelation in the midfield, while backed by former Fitzroy caretaker coach McConnell, GWS became somewhat of a Cinderella story, playing a vibrant brand of football.
Unfancied at the start of the year, the Giants overcame a slow start to their campaign to be in the frame for a grand final spot before a heavy final-round defeat to the Lions. South Australian veteran Courtney Gum was a revelation in the midfield, while backed by former Fitzroy caretaker coach McConnell, GWS became somewhat of a Cinderella story, playing a vibrant brand of football.
Prediction: Premiers
The
Giants issued a warning to the competition by thrashing the Lions in a
practice game last weekend. Despite the loss of McWilliams they still
have plenty of firepower up forward, with Irish star Cora Staunton set
to have a big impact. In draftee Alyce Parker, the Giants also look to
have obtained one of the competition’s most promising youngsters.