AS WE edge closer to the seventh NAB AFLW draft, the conversation circles around who will go at number one – both nationally and in each state – and while that first selection is highly coveted, history suggests there is plenty of talent lurking in the back end of the draft.

With preparation and shrewd recruiting, a number of clubs have welcomed now important players through late picks plus a little bit of development.

Chelsea Biddell (ADL) — pick No. 102, 2019

• 22 career games
• 2022 Premiership player

Taken with the final pick of the 2019 draft, Biddell was selected as a key forward option by Adelaide. After playing every game in 2020, Adelaide’s depth in attack squeezed Biddell to the fringes, playing just four of a possible 11 games.

This year Biddell moved into the backline and was a revelation. Averaging 5.4 intercepts, 201.1 metres gained and a neat 76.5 per cent disposal efficiency, the newfound defender played every game as the Crows bolted to their third AFLW premiership.

Sophie Conway (BRIS) — pick No. 45, 2017

• 35 career games
• 2021 Premiership player

Conway has stamped herself as one of the premier wings in the competition over the past two seasons. Her endurance and willingness to run both defensively and into attack has cemented her as one of Brisbane’s most important players.

With 18 career goals to her name, Conway kicked ten of those this year on top of her 264 average metres gained and 3.4 inside 50s per game, while perfectly complementing the Lions’ tough inside midfield group.

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Daisy D’Arcy (GCS) — pick No.60, 2020

• 19 career games
• Third in Gold Coast's Best & Fairest 2021

An underrated member of the Suns’ side, D’Arcy’s relentless pressure across the half back line has become a staple of the club’s game style. Selected with the second-last pick of the 2020 draft, the defender’s rugby background has translated brilliantly into the AFLW space.

D’Arcy sets a standard at ground level, moving from contest to contest without complaint, averaging four tackles and 3.4 intercepts across her career to date.

Ruby Schleicher (COLL) — pick No.137, 2016

• 40 career games
• Two-time All Australian (2021, 2022)

The premier rebounding defender in the AFLW, Schleicher’s power and attack out of the back half drives much of Collingwood’s positive ball movement.

In 2022 Schleicher averaged an impressive 7.2 intercepts, 2.1 inside 50s and 18 disposals per game, including a career-high 31 disposals and 10 marks against Adelaide late in the season.

Amy McDonald (GEE) — pick No.80, 2019

• 25 career games
• Two-time Geelong Best & Fairest winner (2021, 2022)

Just as things looked particularly bleak for Geelong in 2021 with Olivia Purcell going down with an ACL tear and the side still without a win, it was Amy McDonald who presented as a shining light for the Cats.

Stepping up in the midfield, she became the club’s leading onballer and carried that into the 2022 season. McDonald averages 18.5 disposals (11.7 contested), 6.7 tackles and 4.2 clearances across her career to date.

Kirsty Lamb (WB) — pick No.138, 2016

• 46 career games
• 2018 Premiership player
• All Australian (2022)
• Western Bulldogs Best & Fairest winner (2022)

Lamb is effectively the poster child of draft steals in the AFLW competition. Taken with the eighth-last pick of the inaugural draft, she has been one of the most consistent contributors to the Western Bulldogs over its history.

Across her career, Lamb averages 15.1 disposals, 4.8 tackles and 2.6 inside 50s, remarkably having a career best season this year despite barely any preseason hours due to a lingering foot injury.

Dakota Davidson (BRIS) — pick No.60, 2019

• 26 career games
• 2021 Premiership player

Davidson has proven her willingness to learn and improve over her three seasons at the Lions. As a marking key forward target, Davidson works very hard up the field, and is often seen doing everything in her power to set up teammates in more dangerous positions.

With 23 goals to her name, Davidson averages 2.5 marks, 2.3 tackles and 2.5 score involvements across her career.

Shelley Heath (MEL) — pick No.44, 2018

• 28 career games
• All Australian squad 2022

As a tough, small lockdown defender, Heath took countless scalps throughout the 2022 season as Melbourne worked its way to an inaugural grand final berth.

Heath is competitive, relentless and deceptively quick, making her particularly hard to break past, as she averaged 4.7 intercepts and 4.6 tackles this year.

Cora Staunton (GWS) — pick No.47 2018

• 40 career games
• 47 goals

Since joining the Giants via the last NSW pick in the 2018 draft, Staunton has kicked 28.9 per cent of the club’s goals and has served as a barometer for its attacking line.

Leading the way for plenty of Irish recruits who have followed in her footsteps, Staunton’s tough and clever playing style has seen her average 3.4 score involvements, 2.2 inside 50s and 9.6 disposals since 2018.

Lily Mithen (MEL) — pick No.73, 2016

• 46 career games
• All Australian squad 2017

An inaugural Demon, Mithen is tough, persistent, and very clever. Often getting bashed around as she contests the ball, Mithen will more often than not leap back to her feet and go again.

Her presence in support of Melbourne’s deep midfield group is vital to the club’s transition into attack and in 2022 averaged 3.4 score involvements and 5.1 tackles.