GOLD Coast looks set to spring a surprise with its No.1 selection in the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft, with top Vic Metro talent Charlie Rowbottom officially nominating Queensland in the state-based process.
Womens.afl understands another potential top selection in Georgie Prespakis has submitted her nomination for Victoria, and now Rowbottom has nominated for Queensland, the Suns should nab her with pick No.1.
Rowbottom has a few family connections in the state, and having finished high school last year, is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.
The draft has always been a state-based affair, given the competition is part-time and players are usually unable to move interstate for a six-month contract.
It's very rare to see a highly rated junior nominate elsewhere, with most interstate nominations coming from players on the cusp of AFLW hoping for a greater chance elsewhere.
Rowbottom, the sister of Sydney's James, captained Oakleigh Chargers in this year's NAB League premiership win.
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A very tall midfielder at 179cm, she was set to feature in the top handful of Victorian selections until the latest curveball.
The powerful Rowbottom is difficult to stop out of a contest and can also play as a key forward if required, where her strong hands come to the fore.The Suns have been working hard to lure talent north after finishing last on the ladder this year.
As reported on womens.afl, the club put pick Nos.6 and 8 on the table in the hope of trading for established talent, but no Victorian side was able to facilitate a deal.
