Northern Knights ‘pleasantly surprised’ by development of young talent in NAB League Girls

NAB League Girls premiership contenders Northern Knights are looking to build on a “whirlwind” 2018 and give their host of young talent the best possible chance to reach the AFLW ranks.

Abigail Bennett (left) celebrates a goal with Tallia Pulcino.

Northern Knights are looking to build on a “whirlwind” 2018 and give their host of young talent the best possible chance to reach the AFLW ranks.

The Knights fell short of NAB League premiership glory last season and sit in second spot, undefeated after six rounds.

Maddy Brancatisano was snapped up by Melbourne in last year’s AFLW draft and Knights talent co-ordinator Zoe Slatter believes the 2019 class could be something special.

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“Coming off a whirlwind season, we were pleasantly surprised by the development of the bottom-age talent coming and this season is about building on that,” she said.

“Our top-age talent has been a highlight but the developing talent that’s coming through is really exciting for the northern region.

“It’s a really exciting time with the (AFLW) expansion clubs, so we’re really trying to give the girls the best opportunity in a nine-week season.

Gabrielle Newton celebrates a goal for Northern Knights.

“We’re not focused on the winning aspect but making sure they have the opportunity to be exposed to best display their full range of skills.”

Slatter said the likes of Britney Gutknecht (Laurimar), Gabby Newton (Montmorency) and Sarah Sansonetti (St Mary’s) were all AFLW quality talents.

Developing 17-year-old talents Jessica Fitzgerald (St Mary’s), Maeve Chaplin (Darebin) and Ellie McKenzie (Fitzroy) still have a year to wait but have been strong contributors.

Entering the Easter break, the Knights were riding a four-game winning run after defeating Gippsland Power by 45 points in Round 6.

Northern rested five players for the match after they featured for the national academy against Geelong’s VFLW team.

“It gave an opportunity to girls and it was fantastic to see bottom-age girls come in and have an immediate impact and play the Knights way, a fast, free-flowing style of footy. It’s really encouraging,” Slatter said.

The Knights return to action on Sunday, when they travel to Bendigo to face the Pioneers.

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