Top Victorian talent on offer in the AFLW draft

AFLW clubs will pick the cream of the nation’s best young talent in Tuesday’s national draft. Eliza Sewell looks at Victoria’s top AFLW draft prospects. Who will your club grab?

Meet the top prospects of this year’s AFLW draft, available to clubs in Victoria.

AFLW clubs will pick the cream of the nation’s best young talent in Tuesday’s national draft.

Eliza Sewell looks at Victoria’s top AFLW draft prospects.

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AFL Women’s Draft

Tuesday, noon

Marvel Stadium

Live coverage at superfooty.com.au

FOLLOW LIVE: FULL DRAFT ORDER

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1. Nina Morrison — midfielder

Expected to be chosen at No.1 by her hometown club Geelong.

“She smashed the endurance testing out of the park (at the draft combine). She’s got all the physical attributes. There’s so much upside in her as a player. And she’s a school captain, she has a lot of leadership qualities.” — AFLW talent manager Aasta O’Connor

2. Olivia Purcell — midfielder

Another Geelong local who attends Sacred Heart College. Can also play off half-back.

“She’s a ball winner, really aggressive at the contest. Her engine is her attribute. She can run all day” — Aasta O’Connor

Olivia Purcell at Geelong Falcons training. Picture: Mark Wilson

Madison Prespakis of Victoria takes part in a sprint test.

3. Madison Prespakis — midfielder

The most talked-about player ahead of the draft. Ignored Geelong’s advances and nominated Vic Metro only. Blues should swoop.

“A footballer’s footballer. Really strong performer across all levels this year. She’s a ball-winner, has a beautiful goal sense, but she can also play behind the footy” — Aasta O’Connor

4. Sophie Van De Heuvel — midfielder

From Ballarat, the state level cricketer nominated all of Victoria so Geelong could strike at No.2, but is likely to slip through.

“Has that outside run, pace, X-Factor, a really nice snap shot on goal. She’s quiet off-field but does a lot of talking with the footy.” — Aasta O’Connor

5. Jordyn Allen — half-back

Could be a good pick for Melbourne, who need to replace talented half-back Mel Hickey. Played VFL for Dees’ affiliate Casey.

“A strong leader. Has great ability off half-back, a beautiful set-up kick, a jet.” — Aasta O’Connor

Jordyn Allen delivers under pressure in a TAC Cup game. Picture: Jay Town.

6. Rebecca Webster — half-back

The Benalla product is ready-made for senior football.

“She’s a strong bodied, aggressive type.” — Aasta O’Connor

7. Tyla Hanks — midfielder

Has nominated Vic Metro region so can’t go to Geelong. Would be a bargain for the Bulldogs if she gets through to pick 10 (pick seven of Victorian talent). Has small forward potential.

“Reads the play well, she’ll be in the mix of the top five I think. Tyler Hanks will be a future AFLW captain, she’s a phenomenal leader” — Aasta O’Connor

Draft hopeful Tyla Hanks.

Daisy Bateman is a crafty forward with a basketball background.

8. Daisy Bateman — small forward

A basketballer who has come back to footy recently.

“The only player at nationals level to average two goals a game. A crafty small forward” — Aasta O’Connor

9. Katie Lynch — tall forward/inside midfielder

Collingwood could do with a making forward after losing Jasmine Garner to the Kangaroos.

“She has a strong body, 179cm. Whichever club she lands at, they’ll be pretty lucky to grab her” — Aasta O’Connor

10. Mikala Cann — midfielder

Hawks VFLW premiership player

“A tackling machine, lots of pressure. A mature body” — Aasta O’Connor

Round 1

1. Geelong Cats

2. Geelong Cats

3. Carlton

4. Fremantle

5. Collingwood

6. Melbourne

7. Geelong Cats

8. Adelaide Crows

9. Brisbane Lions

10. Western Bulldogs

11. Collingwood

12. GWS Giants

Note: The AFLW draft is state-based so Victorian clubs have access to Victorian nominated talent and interstate clubs can only recruit talent who have nominated their state.

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Originally published as Top Victorian talent on offer in the AFLW draft