AFLW: Collingwood lock in Ash Centra as No.1 pick as go-home factor a worry

Collingwood has settled on who it will take at No.1 in tomorrow night’s AFLW draft, but other clubs are uncertain on how to deal with top-end talent preferring not to move interstate.

Ash Centra is set to become the first Gippsland Power product to be taken at pick No.1 in Monday’s AFLW draft and just the second in club history behind Brendon Goddard.

It comes as some trepidation remains about the first AFLW national draft given some prospects are understood to have indicated a preference to remain in their home state.

The AFL announced in June that the draft will transition to a fully national model for the first time this year after almost 70 per cent of nominees opted into a national pool in 2023. A 20 per cent increase in remuneration for draftees as per the new AFLW Collective Bargaining Agreement also justified the decision.

But this masthead is aware of several players, including top-end talent, who have expressed a desire to either remain in their home state or avoid certain states. Several sources have indicated that some players have suggested, whether directly in interviews or indirectly through references, their draft preferences.

Ash Centra is the hot favourite to be picked up by Collingwood in the draft on Monday. Picture: Ian Currie

It leaves clubs in a precarious decision to either take on board that feedback or back in their culture and program.

The ‘go-home’ factor is not a new phenomenon and there have been several instances of AFL players who have wanted to remain in their home state. But it’s generally frowned upon to communicate that to clubs and it’s a teething issue the AFLW has confronted moving to a national draft.

After finishing last on the ladder with one win in 2024, Collingwood is set to be the beneficiary of Centra’s immense talent.

Soon to be appointment viewing for any AFLW fan, the 18-year-old underlined her credentials with a scintillating 47 disposal, four goal game in round two of the Coates Talent league season. Despite the added external pressure, Centra continued to go from strength to strength and won All-Australian honours at the National Championships as well as the Coates League best and fairest, the first Gippsland girl to do so.

The only box left to tick on her already lengthy resume is for Centra to be anointed this year’s No.1 draft pick, a title she’d be honoured to be bestowed with.

“It would be pretty cool,” Centra said. “I’m very lucky to be in this position.

“The draft pool this year is incredibly skilful and there’s not one bad player.

“I’ve been dreaming about this for a while now. There’s going to be a lot of nerves and emotions. When my name does get read out, I’ll be very honoured.

“I’d be fortunate to be read out at any stage but pick one would be pretty cool.”

A master in the art of football, Centra has perfected the art of slowing time. Whether it’s a spin, a sidestep or a fend-off, the Vic Country co-captain is expected to instantly change the dynamic of Collingwood’s midfield, even if she draws inspiration from an opposition star.

“I try and model my game off Mon Conti from Richmond,” Centra said. “Her footy IQ is one of the best in the competition.

“I do get a lot of feedback on my composure when I play so I always look to utilise it the best I can in games whether that’s sidestepping or spins. I don’t really know I’m doing it until I watch vision back but I like to use it to my advantage.”

Only around six clubs interviewed Centra at the national draft combine with the knowledge that she was likely to be unattainable unless they claimed the wooden spoon.

Originally published as AFLW: Collingwood lock in Ash Centra as No.1 pick as go-home factor a worry