IT BARELY feels like 30 days since the last AFLW top-30 countdown, but two seasons in one year means twice the opportunity to pull a list together.
As always, the criteria is based on form shown in the previous season, with the All-Australian team, club and AFL best and fairest counts providing some guidance.
Feedback was also sought from some club officials and even a player or two themselves.
SARAH BLACK'S TOP 30 Crows spearhead nabs 30th spot
This pre-season, womens.afl will reveal the next batch of players every five days (excluding the first out of the blocks).
Apologies in advance for not including every single fan's favourite player, as there are now 540 players to cut down to 30.
AFLW FIXTURE Who does your team play in season seven?
No.29 TILLY LUCAS-RODD (Hawthorn, St Kilda in season six)
Previous rankings: N/A
What eventuated as Lucas-Rodd's final season at St Kilda before crossing to Hawthorn showed she can mix it with the top midfielders in the competition.
After being thrown into the middle from her small defensive role, Lucas-Rodd averaged 20.1 disposals, 7.0 and 4.2 clearances from her 10 matches.
Lucas-Rodd's fierce attack on the footy and four-quarter performances were a key reason behind her second-place finish in St Kilda's best and fairest.
No.28 BREANN MOODY (Carlton)
Previous rankings: No.29 2022 S6
Moody had an All-Australian season in 2021, and was named in the squad in 2022.
The athletic ruck stands apart with her ability to cover the ground with ease, not afraid to take a running bounce and providing a target at both ends of the ground.
Moody averaged 19.7 hitouts, 11.9 disposals, 2.4 tackles and 2.2 clearances in her nine matches.
No.27 MIMI HILL (Carlton)
Previous rankings: N/A
Hill only played five games in the 2022 season after her return from a torn ACL, but such was the high standard she took out the NAB AFLW Rising Star.
The 19-year-old midfielder barely missed a beat in her comeback, attacking the contest with intent, spreading well from clearances and setting up her teammates in attack.
She averaged a team-high 21.5 disposals, 9.0 contested possessions, 282m gained and 3.0 clearances.
No.26 TAYLA HARRIS (Melbourne)
Previous rankings: No.18 2021, No.27 2020
Harris had a career-best year in 2022 after crossing from Carlton, hitting her straps in a strong Melbourne side.
While she didn't win a heap of the football, averaging 8.1 disposals, she was incredibly efficient in front of goal with 18 majors from her 12 matches,
Harris' overhead marking and ability to crash a pack – bringing the ball to ground for her teammates – was key in Melbourne's run to a Grand Final, and she was the only player to take two contested marks a game.
