AFLW Draft Combine: Meet the 10 Sydney Swans/GWS Giants players eyeing off AFLW roster spots
A strong contingent of 10 Sydney Swans and GWS Giants Academy prospects get their chance to shine at the AFLW Draft Combine. Meet the future stars of the sport.
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As the AFLW Draft Combine inches closer, a strong contingent of 10 Sydney/GWS Academy players will take part in the event.
Held on September 25 at Sydney Olympic Park, the future talents will showcase their skills ahead of the draft with testing in vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, agility and a two-kilometre time trial.
Swans Academy operations co-ordinator Kristie Whittard praised the dedication of the group, with some travelling up to two hours to be in attendance.
“The biggest thing for this group their hard work and dedication,” she said.
“Their commitment to come into Swans HQ twice a week, they’ve really gelled together and had a strong Coates League season.
“That’s been reflected in them all being selected in the Academy at this level.”
Pride was a sentiment echoed by GWS female Academy coach Georgia Walker on the efforts of the Giants trio.
“As a coach I’m very proud of those girls individually,” she said.
“Knowing the amount of hours they’ve put into extras, it’s exciting to see them reap the rewards.
“To have interest in the girls from other clubs, it’s showing they’re doing something right and they’re paving the way for the Academy girls in the future.
“We couldn’t be prouder.”
We take a look at the 10 girls who will represent Sydney and NSW at the AFL Draft Combine.
SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY
SERINA BAUKES
UTS Bats - Defender
A half-back who is a very strong one-on-one defender. Gives her team a brilliant rebound from the defensive line. Played with the Allies and has enjoyed the benefit of a couple of years of senior women’s footy with the Bats, aiming up and performing strongly in the backline.
KENDRA BLATTMAN
Sydney University - Utility
A multi talented, versatile tall who is exceptionally strong overhead and has a beautiful kick. Can pop up in the ruck or forward line, and is accurate in front of goal. Represented the Allies at 17 in the National Championships.
HOLLY COOPER
Manly Warringah Wolves - Small forward
A strong, powerful athlete. Despite being relatively new to the game with a netball background, Cooper had a really good season. Can break the game open and travels down from Newcastle. Not the tallest player but uses that to her advantage with her X-factor.
GABBY EATON
Southern Power - Defender
Another player with a netball background and is in her first season of Aussie rules. A strong defender who is experiencing her first exposure to anything at this level. Makes the journey from Illawarra. A previous Illawarra Academy of Sport netballer of the year who has a bright future in the sport.
OLIVIA MORRIS
Pennant Hills - Midfielder
A hardworking player who is a great user of the football. A smart footballer with a great game sense. Swans officials are expecting some really good numbers from Morris at the combine. Played for the AFL Academy U18s earlier this season and had good seasons in the Coates League and for the Allies.
MARNIE ROBINSON
UTS Bats - Defender
Enjoyed a really strong development year. Was named as Allies captain, was the Allies MVP and an all-Australian. A smart player who is quite versatile. Can play at the back and anchor well, or can also have great impact when going inside. A Newcastle talent who was crowned the AFL Sydney Rising Star last year.
ASHA TURNER-FUNK
Manly Warringah Wolves - Midfielder
Another who is from Newcastle and makes the commitment. A defensive-minded midfielder who is good around the contest and enjoyed a good Allies campaign as an over-age player. A good user of the footballer and has a precise boot on her. Will take benefit from being invited to last year’s combine.
GWS GIANTS ACADEMY
CLEO BUTTIFANT
Ainslie/Turvey Park - Defender
Very new to footy and has only been the program for a year after playing touch for Australia. So athletic and her weapon is her speed. Has drive in her legs and although she is still learning the fundamentals, has an ability to find the footy and is a player officials want to work with. With full-time resources, she has a high ceiling.
SOPHIA DE CASTELLA
GWS Giants Academy
Ainslie - Small forward
The daughter of Olympian Robert, Sophia is from the Canberra region and has really come on in the past 12-16 months. Can play in the midfield but really developing as a small forward. Played with the Allies and is a contested beast. Has the capacity to get in and under, can run all day and the ability to chase and tackle is her strength.
MELANIE STAUNTON
East Coast Eagles/Ulladulla - Midfielder
One of the most driven athletes at the combine. Comes from Ulladulla to Canberra two nights a week. Really worked on her fitness and ability to run that has helped her become an elite inside mid. Best on ground in the All Australian games and is able to bring others into the game. A natural footballer who has clean hands around the contest and is willing to take coaching on board.
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