We name the top 50 women’s players in the Northern Football Netball League
Across three divisions, the Northern league is stacked with talented women. We’ve had a crack at naming the best of a sensational season.
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Well, 53 to be honest.
There are so many talented women’s footballers running around in the NFNL we couldn’t fit them all in to an exact 50.
And we’ve probably missed a heap more, so apologies to the likes of Emily Gallagher, Chloe Thompson and Janelle Bertoni.
It’s been another super season across the three divisions of women’s football.
Here are some of the best to pull on the boots in 2024.
Olivia Antonello (Thomastown)
The former Murray Bushrangers talent suited up for the Bears this season, crossing from Mernda, and showcased her class. Antonello played 14 games and was in the best in 10 of them. No surprise then to see her in the Division 2 Team of the Year on the interchange.
Maykaylah Appleby (Diamond Creek Women’s)
The Creekers gun is arguably the best player in the NFNL. The reigning Division 1 league medallist is expected to be among the contenders again this year and was running third in the Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors. Capable of flipping the field in an instant with her long kicking and was named in the centre in the Team of the Year.
Shae Audley (Lower Plenty)
Undoubtedly one of the true superstars of the NFNL. Took two years off after winning the 2021 Division 1 league best-and-fairest and Coaches’ MVP at Diamond Creek Women’s before returning to anchor Lower’s comeback. Produced a best-on-ground performance to win the grand final medal in the Bears’ Division 2 premiership and was named ruck rover in the Team of the Year.
Natarsha Bamblett (Fitzroy Stars)
Won the Division 2 league best-and-fairest in the NFNL Women’s inaugural season playing for West Preston-Lakeside. Continues to be a star of the competition and was recognised with Division 2 Team of the Year honours on a half-forward flank. Finished the campaign with 23 goals in 16 appearances, named in the Stars’ best 10 times.
Megan Barnes (Banyule)
Talk about finishing strongly. Barnes was in the Bears’ best in each of her last six games but couldn’t get the club over the line for finals. Nevertheless, her strong form was recognised with a place on the wing in the Division 1 Team of the Year.
Ellouise Bishop (North Heidelberg)
Was super last season, named in the Bulldogs best six times in seven games and stepped up again this season, playing 13 matches and earning a best nine times.
Sheridan Blizzard (Greensborough)
Jagged a spot on the interchange in the Division 2 Team of the Year in her return to the game. Enjoyed a strong campaign for the Borough, playing 13 games, kicking seven goals and getting in the best seven times.
Mikayla Brown (North Heidelberg)
A strong debut season for the Bulldogs was recognised with Division 3 Team of the Year honours, named on the bench. Played 14 games and kicked 10 goals and while she was only named in the best four times, clearly made a lasting impression.
Ruby Butterfield (Hurstbridge)
Played under-16s at Diamond Creek Women’s last season but made an eye-catching transition to senior football in 2024. Was one of only two players in Division 3 to be named in her club’s best in all 16 games, the other being teammate Kristy Steven, and was named on the interchange of the Team of the Year.
Teresa Cassar (North Heidelberg)
The former Carlton VFLW star was in everything for North Heidelberg this season. Played 13 games, kicked 12 goals – third most in Division 3 – and was in the Bulldogs’ best eight times. Earned Division 3 Team of the Year honours, named at centre half-forward.
Gulia Ceravolo (Mernda)
Usually a player with seven games for the year doesn’t make these lists but Ceravolo is an exception. The 2022 Division 3 and 2023 Division 2 league best-and-fairest winner did only play seven games. However, she was in the Demons’ best in everyone of those and despite missing half a year was still named on a back flank in the Division 2 Team of the Year.
Shae Collinson (Montmorency)
The Magpies mainstay is ever reliable. While restricted to 11 games this season she was still in the best in eight of them, including the elimination final loss to Heidelberg.
Hailey Cordova (South Morang)
The Division 3 Team of the Year rover was a machine in midfield this year. The Northern Knights graduate stepped up to senior football this year with aplomb. Played 14 games, kicked 11 goals and was named in the Lions’ best 11 times.
Stephanie Crook (Laurimar)
A rock in defence for Laurimar, a defence that was regularly under the pump. No surprise then to see Crook named in the best in 10 of her 12 appearances this season and recognised for her work with Team of the Year honours, named at centre half-back.
Ruby Failla (South Morang)
The Failla name is famous at Mill Park Lakes and young Ruby is adding to the legacy. After two seasons as under-18s, made her debut in Round 1 and instantly became a key contributor. Earned a mention in the best 12 times in 15 appearances and was rewarded with a spot on the wing in the Division 3 Team of the Year.
Milla Fereday (Lower Plenty)
Missed last season but returned to the field with Lower. Was a major player in the club’s premiership run, kicking 30 goals in 12 matches, including three in the grand final triumph. Was surprisingly overlooked for Team of the Year honours, going goalless just twice.
Federica Frew (Ivanhoe)
Played just the four VFLW games for Port Melbourne this season, much to Ivanhoe’s pleasure. The talented forward finished with 30 goals in 12 outings and was named in the best eight times. Earned Team of the Year honours in the forward pocket.
Sarina Galati (West Preston-Lakeside)
The Roosters stalwart had arguably a career year and was rewarded with a spot on the bench in the Division 2 Team of the Year. Galati played 16 games and was in the club’s best 11 times.
Madeline Gallagher (Montmorency)
The Magpies skipper never disappoints and 2024 was another strong season. After being named in the best 10 times in 13 games, Gallagher was rewarded with a spot on the interchange in the Team of the Year, surprisingly her first guernsey.
Megan Girolami (St Mary’s)
The 2023 Division 2 leading goalkicker was pipped by one goal to the 2024 Division 1 title but finishes the season with something far more valuable, a premiership medallion. Girolami booted 30 goals in her 17 games, including two in the Burras’ grand final triumph. Named at centre half-forward in the Team of the Year.
Ari Gosden (Greensborough)
After a year out of the game returned to War Memorial Reserve and produced a Team of the Year-calibre season. The hard-working Gosden was named on the wing after 13 games and nine times in the Borough’s best.
Crystal Grech (Heidelberg West)
Has hardly missed a game for Heidelberg West in her two years at Heidelberg Park, playing 16 games last year and 15 this season. Was in the Hawks’ best eight times in that time and was recognised by the coaches, voted in the Team of the Year on the interchange.
Bridie Groves (Panton Hill)
The Northern Knights graduate returned to the game after a year off with a bang. Played all 16 games, kicked 26 goals to win the Division 3 goalkicking medal and helped the Redbacks to claim the premiership in their inaugural season. Kicked bags of five against Laurimar (twice) and Epping and was named on the forward flank in the Team of the Year.
Tessa Hankinson (Heidelberg)
Balled out last year but has somehow been even better again in 2024. The Tigers onballer was named ruck rover in the Division 1 Team of the Year, beating out some strong rivals. Played 16 games and was in the best 12 times.
Natarsha Harrop (Hurstbridge)
From 11 games and no goals in 2023 to 16 games and 23 goals in 2024, second most in Division 3, plus an impressive eight mentions in the best. Bagged a season-best five goals against Laurimar and was named at full-forward in the Team of the Year.
Kiarna Horman (Heidelberg West)
Returned to the game after a few seasons away and showed her class is permanent. Was named in the Hawks’ best 11 times in her 15 appearances and was rewarded with Team of the Year honours, snagging a spot on the bench.
Brianne Keogh (Mernda)
Prolific through midfield for Mernda. Keogh played 14 games and was named in the Demons’ best a remarkable 13 times. Recognised for her outstanding season with selection in the Team of the Year at ruck rover.
Imogen Kendal (Darebin Falcons)
Came down to Darebin from Bendigo Thunder last year and has been a star ever since. Has hardly missed a game in two seasons and played another 13 this season, earning a mention in the best nine times. Was rewarded with Division 1 Team of the Year selection on the back flank.
Jessica Kennedy (Heidelberg)
Represented the Central Victoria Football League last year before making her way down to Heidelberg this season. Didn’t disappoint with seven mentions in the Tigers’ best in 14 matches and was rewarded with a spot on the bench in the Division 1 Team of the Year.
Georgia Kitchell (St Mary’s)
The Northern Knights graduate played a key role in the Burras run to the Division 1 premiership. Like many of her teammates, Kitchell took her game to a new level as the club stepped up from Division 2 last year. Eight bests in 13 games and was named on the bench in the Team of the Year.
Ava Klaic (Lower Plenty)
Was one of the Bears’ best in their brilliant premiership triumph. Enjoyed a fine first season at Montmorency Park after crossing from Eltham, playing all 18 games and earning a mention in the best in 15 of them.
Brigid McEntee (St Mary’s)
Having returned from serious injury to play a key role in St Mary’s Division 2 premiership last year, McEntee was in full flight this season. The Burras ace was leading the Coaches’ MVP voting before it went behind closed doors and starred in the Division 1 premiership triumph and was awarded the grand final medal. Surely a contender for the league best-and-fairest, which could see her walk away with four medals in one year.
Trinity Mills (West Preston-Lakeside)
Returned to the Roosters full-time this season after time at Darebin Falcons in the VFLW. Made 16 appearances and was among the best in 13 of them, including a strong game in the preliminary final loss. Her season was recognised with Team of the Year honours, named on the forward flank.
Amelia Mullane (Lower Plenty)
Returned to the game after a few years out with a bang, helping Lower win the Division 2 premiership in its maiden campaign. The star forward booted 35 goals, second most in the competition, and was named at centre half-forward in the Team of the Year. Bagged one goal in the grand final win.
Chiara Nardo (Thomastown)
Crossed to Thomastown this season from Diamond Creek Women’s and didn’t disappoint. The gun midfield-forward played 13 games for the Bears this season, kicked 15 goals, and was named in the best 11 times. Was running third in the Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors and was named in the forward pocket in the Team of the Year.
Holly Pink (Diamond Creek Women’s)
Crossed from Croydon North-MLOC last year and played eight games for the Creekers’ second side. However, she stepped up to the top team this season magnificently, playing a key role in the club’s charge to the Division 1 grand final. Pink was among the best in 11 of 16 games and was rewarded with the No.1 ruck spot in the Team of the Year.
Ella Pinney (South Morang)
Has been a key contributor for the Lions for the past few seasons but took her game to another level this season. Played 15 games, was in the best in 12 of them and kicked seven goals. Was rewarded with Division 3 Team of the Year honours, named in the forward pocket, and was running second in the Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors.
Georgia Pirdis (Ivanhoe)
Clearly thrived in the Ivies move to the NFNL. The star forward booted 48 goals to claim the Division 2 goalkicking title and was, as such, named at full-forward in the Team of the Year. Pirdis was held goalless three times but kicked bags of eight against Montmorency and Whittlesea, seven against Darebin Falcons and six on Diamond Creek Women’s.
Alisha Priestley (Darebin Falcons)
After 18 games last year, Priestly was restricted to 13 appearances this season but still proved one of the best players in Division 2. Was in the Falcons best seven times in those games and was duly recognised for her work in defence by being named full-back in the Team of the Year.
Elyssa Rees (St Mary’s)
The Burras skipper played her 50th game earlier this season and finished the year holding the premiership cup aloft for the second time in a row – this time in Division 1. It capped a stellar campaign for the dashing defender, playing 17 games, earning a mention in the best in nine of them, before being named in the Team of the Year for the fourth year in a row, on a half-back flank.
Chloe Rowan (Heidelberg West)
Had an outstanding season last season, winning the Division 3 Coaches’ MVP, and was again one of the competition’s best in 2024. Played 14 games, kicked 13 goals and was in the Hawks’ best 10 times on her way to Division 3 Team of the Year honours again, this time on the forward flank.
Ella Spark (Montmorency)
The gun defender was at her best again this season and it was no surprise to see her named at full-back in the Division 1 Team of the Year. Played 13 games this season and was in the Magpies’ best eight times.
Kristy Steven (Hurstbridge)
The Bridges’ prolific midfielder was named in the best in every single game this season, one of only two players in the competition to achieve the feat. Rewarded for her fine season with Division 3 Team of the Year honours, named in the centre, and could be a league medal and Coaches’ MVP contender.
Mia Tascone (Heidelberg)
One of the favourites for the Division 1 league best-and-fairest after an outstanding season. Played 14 games and was named in the Tigers best in 10 of them. Was running second in the Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors and was recognised by being named rover in the Team of the Year.
Linda Thorp (Diamond Creek Women’s)
The goalkicking legend extended her stranglehold on the Division 1 goalkicking title to a fourth consecutive year after wins in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Thorp booted 27 goals in the home-and-away season and finished the year with 30 majors, kicking three in the Creekers’ grand final loss. Full-forward in the Team of the Year.
Chloe Topperwein (Hurstbridge)
The pre-eminent ruck in Division 3, earning the No.1 mantle in the Team of the Year. After being restricted to just two games last season, Topperwein returned to full fitness and full form this year, named in the Bridges best 13 times in 15 outings. Was leading the Coaches’ MVP voting before it went behind closed doors.
Cindy Turnbull (Epping)
Not the first time at Turnbull has succeed at Epping. Cindy produced a memorable campaign for the Pingers, named in the club’s best in all but one of her 13 appearances. Was rewarded with Division 3 Team of the Year honours, named ruck rover.
Bree Unthank (Lower Plenty)
Returned to the Northern league after a season in the VAFA with Coburg and dominated. The star ruck played all 16 games and was in the Bears’ best 11 times, while also having a major impact on the scoreboard with 22 goals. Named in the ruck in the Division 2 Team of the Year and was running second in the Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors.
Molly Uwland (Ivanhoe)
A fixture for Ivanhoe after coming out of the Northern Knights. The gun onballer played 17 games and was named in the best an incredible 16 times. Hit the scoreboard too with 10 goals. Was leading the Division 2 Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors and it was no surprise to see her named centre of the Team of the Year.
Bianca Walker (Panton Hill)
Jumped across from St Mary’s and brought the Burras’ touch of success with her. Will finish the year with a sore neck from all the medals she’s wearing. Premiership medallion, helping the Redbacks win the Division 3 flag in their inaugural year, and grand final medal as best-on-ground. Sister Ruby was named in the Team of the Year in a big year for the family.
Rebekah Watson (Banyule)
Has been a star since joining the Bears last season, barely missing a game. Played 14 this season, kicked 11 goals and was in the best seven times. It absolutely made an impact as Watson was named in the Division 1 Team of the Year, named on the interchange.
Anna Williams (Ivanhoe)
Was restricted to just four games last season but returned to full flight for the Ivies’ maiden NFNL campaign. Played 16 games and was named in the best in 11 of them. Can consider herself stiff to be overlooked for Team of the Year honours.
Emmison Zealley (St Mary’s)
The 2023 Division 2 Coaches’ MVP was one of the shock off-season moves, leaving Greensborough for St Mary’s. The star defender played a key role in the Burras’ amazing run to the Division 1 premiership, playing 13 games and being named in the best in 10 of them. Earnt Team of the Year honours in the back pocket.
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