Melbourne drafts Northern Knight Maddy Guerin for AFLW

MADDY Guerin is the Northern Knights’ first AFLW graduate, selected in Wednesday’s AFL Women’s Draft.

Maddy Guerin in action at the AFLW Draft Combine. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

MADDY Guerin is the Northern Knights’ first AFLW graduate, selected in Wednesday’s AFL Women’s Draft.

The speedy midfielder was snapped up by Melbourne at pick 14.

Guerin, who won the Knights’ best and fairest award, stood out from the first training session, according to talent manager Rhy Gieschen.

“She is obviously a really natural footballer, has good general ball skills and is a nice kick of the ball,” he said.

“Once the games started, it was her ability to win her own football which really stood out.

“She has got really good explosive speed, bursts away from stoppages and can run and carry and bounce the ball, which makes her a real asset particularly in the women’s game with less numbers on the field and bigger grounds.

“It is something all clubs are looking for.”

Gieschen said the Fitzroy Football Club product, who turns 18 on October 25, could be best played at halfback, in the midfield or on the wing.

Melbourne AFLW talent manager Todd Paterson said Guerin was “super athletic”.

“She’s got depth to her kicking and has really improved this year. She’s a real self-starter,” he said.

“She’s a pretty straight-shooter and she has some good interest outside of football. Athletically, she’s pretty exciting.”

Guerin took part in the Knights’ inaugural TAC Cup Girls program earlier this year, winning the club’s best and fairest count by two votes.

Named in the TAC Cup team of the year following strong performances in the competition and with Vic Metro at the national championships, she also finished fourth in the 20m sprint and was ninth in the yo-yo and vertical jump events at the AFLW combine.

It comes as Zoe Slatter has been appointed as the Knights’ female talent co-ordinator with the club preparing for 2018, with its girls talent search to be held this month.

“The program will expand as with new teams in the competition and a greater need from AFLW clubs to produce more talent,” Gieschen said.

“We’re confident we’ve got a good basis from last year and can run a quality program, which will hopefully get more girls drafted this year and the year following.”

Details: nthknights.com.au/girls