AFLW Draft: Calder Cannons’ Georgia Patrikios primed for success
Georgia Patrikios claimed Vic Metro and Under-18 National Championships MVP honours in a memorable 2019 and is expected to take her game to a new level at St Kilda.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Calder Cannons’ talent manager Russell Humphrey has described Georgia Patrikios as a “70m player” after the gun midfielder was snapped up by St Kilda in the AFLW Draft.
The 18-year-old, touted as one of the hottest young talents in the country, was taken at pick No.5.
Patrikios claimed Vic Metro and Under-18 National Championships MVP honours this year, underlining her ability to fire on the big stage.
The West Coburg and Pascoe Vale junior showcased her neat foot skills during the championships as Metro went through undefeated.
Patrikios averaged 23 disposals, 4.5 tackles and three clearances against the best players in her age group.
The Coburg resident also captained Calder to the NAB League Girls grand final, averaging 23 touches and five tackles throughout the campaign.
Humphrey said Patrikios, who has proven herself as a damaging player on a wing, was capable of expanding her repertoire and becoming a strong inside midfielder.
“Because of her leg speed and kicking ability, she’s a 70m player,” he said.
“With the girls footy, it can open up a bit. I can see her playing outside on a wing and occasionally throwing her inside. It’s exciting for her.
“I think she’ll go well. With her pace, her sidestep, her kick, I think the next step will be a good one for her.”
Calder’s Krstel Petrevski also earned a chance at the elite level, with Melbourne selecting her at pick No.78.
Humphrey said the Pascoe Vale product’s experience at VFLW level had served her well.
“I think the games she played, not only for us but Essendon VFLW as well, really helped her out, so she could play against women,” he said.
WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO
— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.
— Unprecedented AFL coverage.
— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.
— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.
— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.