THE 2019 NAB AFLW Draft has been completed, Gabby Newton is off to the Western Bulldogs with the No.1 selection and 101 other players have found homes.
Newton was consistently ranked in the top handful of picks during 2019, and even during the back end of 2018.
At this (very early) stage, who are the under-18 players to keep an eye out for next year?
(The number one selection will also be dependent on the team with the pick, given the AFLW has a state-based draft)
Olivia Barber (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Key forward, 184cm
The under-18 All Australian full forward as a bottom-ager, Barber provides a very tall target and is adept when the ball's at ground level. A steady set-shot who moves well up the ground.
Teah Charlton (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Forward/midfielder, 169cm
Named in the under-18 All Australian team on the half-forward flank, Charlton can also comfortably play on the ball. A strong body who wins the hard ball and isn't afraid to be at the bottom of packs. Clean disposal.
Abbey Dowrick (Subiaco/Western Australia)
Midfielder, 165cm
Stood out in the 2018 NAB AFLW under-18 champs as a 16-year-old, but Dowrick (the younger sister of West Coast's McKenzie) was unavailable for this year's edition. An absolute wrecking ball, Dowrick is strong out of packs and has excellent kicking skills.
Zimmorlei (Zimmi) Farquharson (Yeronga South Brisbane/Queensland)
Forward, 172cm
Like Dowrick, Farquharson has been around for a few years now. A lively forward with smooth skills who knows where the goals are.
Mikayla & Brianna Hyde (Swan Districts/Western Australia)
Utilities, 166cm and 163cm
The twins will be coming into their third under-18 campaign in 2020, having made their debuts as diminutive 16-year-olds. Tough and not afraid to put their body over the ball, they've got deceptively long kicks and clean hands.
Ellie McKenzie (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Forward/midfielder, 173cm
Burnt a number of sides in 2019 with her pace off the wing and the flanks, McKenzie was named at half-forward in the under-18 All Australian side. Very neat skills considering her pace and good game awareness. The younger sister of North Melbourne rookie Tom.
Tyanna Smith (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Defender/midfielder, 167cm
The tough Vic Country product had a very strong carnival and was rewarded with a spot at half-back in the under-18 All Australian side. A good contested player who can take a strong mark overhead.
Potential father-daughter selections:
Tarni Brown (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Forward, 166cm
Daughter of Collingwood's Gavin. Withdrew from this year's championships due to basketball commitments but impressed for the Ranges with her strong skills.
Alice Burke (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder, 166cm
Daughter of St Kilda's Nathan, who is now coach of the Western Bulldogs' AFLW side. A steady midfielder with clean hands.
