Collingwood AFLW player profiles for 2018 season

COLLINGWOOD lost its best player to arch-rival Carlton but the Magpies have added some class to their list and one of their star players has been recast in a new role.

Collingwood AFLW coach Wayne Siekman. Picture: Sarah Matray

BEST-and-fairest Nicola Stevens jumped ship to Carlton, leaving a gaping hole in defence, but Stacey Livingstone is expected to step up.

Midfield gun Jaimee Lambert from the Bulldogs adds class and netballer Ash Brazill could be this season’s Erin Phillips.

Moana Hope has been recast as a forward and big things are expected from rangy forward Jasmine.

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Stacey Livingstone can fill the void left by Nicola Stevebs.

Coach: Wayne Siekman

Captain: Steph Chiocci

Last year: 5th (3-4)

Average age: 25

Average height: 169cm

Youngest player: Darcy Guttridge (18)

Oldest player: Cecilia McIntosh (38)

Odds: $9

THE QUOTE

“I’m excited. We’re more versatile this season. We’ve got more depth, we’ve trained players to play in more positions, we’ve got coverage in every area.”

— Wayne Siekman

COLLINGWOOD AFLW PLAYER PROFILES

1. Caitlyn Edwards

Age: 21 Hgt: 167cm

Utility

Western Australian has speed to burn. From a rugby background so she’s a good tackler, but is also a good kick. A genuine utility, Edwards can and will play anywhere.

2. Chloe Molloy

Age: 19 Hgt: 172cm

Forward

Collingwood’s first pick in the draft at No.2 overall. Fitness has improved since joining the Magpies. Still learning, but will win one-on-one contests and is an excellent kick.

4. Sarah D’Arcy

Age: 26 Hgt: 171cm

Forward

A revelation in AFLW01, D’Arcy is good in the air and on the ground. A left-footer who is always on the move, she’s a tough match-up.

Sarah D’Arcy.

5. Emma Grant

Age: 28 Hgt: 166cm

Utility

Elevated to vice-captain this season, Grant has taken her fitness to a new level. Expected to play as much in defence as midfield.

6. Christina Bernardi

Age: 27 Hgt: 167cm

Forward/midfielder

One of the Magpie’s best trainers before Christmas, Bernadi has improved her endurance and become a very good runner. Exciting prospect.

7. Lauren Tesoriero

Age: 31 Hgt: 170cm

Forward/midfielder

Strong-bodied and will win the hard ball. Plenty of football smarts.

8. Brittany Bonnici

Age: 20 Hgt: 163cm

Midfielder

A young leader on the up has improved all facets of her game. Will be crucial inside this season.

9. Melissa Kuys

Age: 30 Hgt: 166cm

Midfielder

Worked hard on her left-foot kicking, which is an asset. Strong in the contest.

10. Ash Brazill

Age: 28 Hgt: 175cm

Defender/forward

Magpies netballer set to be the football team’s X-factor. Speed, agility and plenty of flair. A unique kicking style, but it works.

11. Eliza Hynes

Age: 26 Hgt: 183cm

Ruck/forward

An Australian volleyballer, Hynes has played only four games of football. Has developed rapidly during the pre-season. Good leap and taps with either hand.

12. Stacey Livingstone

Age: 30 Hgt: 176cm

Defender

Key back who will step up following Nicola Stephens’ departure. Quick, good leap and a good kick.

13. Jaimee Lambert

Age: 23 Hgt: 162cm

Midfielder

Injury-free after a horrid run with Western Bulldogs in AFLW01. An elite ball handler and great decision maker, she adds the class Collingwood was missing.

17. Stephanie Chiocci

Age: 29 Hgt: 170cm

Midfielder/defender

After a solid pre-season in the gym a bigger, stronger Chiocci will spend more time in the midfield and has improved her inside game to complement her speedy work outside.

Stephanie Chiocci.

18. Ruby Schleicher

Age: 19 Hgt: 175cm

Defender

Had to play ruck last season, but has been learning defence from AFL player Lynden Dunn. Has a good leap.

19. Georgie Parker

Age: 28 Hgt: 162cm

Midfielder/forward

Former Hockeyroo is an impressive decision maker. Still learning the game but her strong physical presence and speed could see her play crucial shutdown roles.

20. Cecilia McIntosh

Age: 38 Hgt: 161cm

Defender

Still posting persional best time-trial results. Loves the contest and is still improving

21. Iilish Ross

Age: 19 Hgt: 169cm

Defender

Former junior motorbike champion is a long-term prospect. Fast and a natural defender. Kicking is improving.

22. Sophie Casey

Age: 26 Hgt: 165cm

Defender

Moved from attack to defence this pre-season. Quick, physical and good in one-on-one contests.

23. Moana Hope

Age: 29 Hgt: 170cm

Forward/midfield

Fitness has improved after losing 8kg before pre-season. Training with the midfielders and loving the challenge. Has given herself every chance to be the best she can be.

25. Meg Hutchins

Age: 35 Hgt: 174cm

Forward

The general down back in AFLW01 will play in attack as the Magpies trial a new defensive system. Played forward in VFLW and won her club’s goal-kicking. A beautiful kick who won’t miss many from inside the arc.

Meg Hutchins.

26. Tara Morgan

Age: 28 Hgt: 168cm

Defender

Strong and physical, she thrives in one-on-one contests and is rarely beaten. Good communicator who will set the team up well.

27. Jessica Duffin

Age: 28 Hgt: 162cm

Forward

Third in last year’s best-and-fairest, her pre-season has been limited by cricket commitments. Super fit after recovering from shoulder surgery and is a natural.

28. Holly Whitford

Age: 18 Hgt: 168cm

Midfielder/forward

Small, but loves a contest and goes in hard. A team-first attitude and good on both sides of her body.

33. Bree White

Age: 36 Hgt: 158cm

Midfielder

Veteran who’s loved by her teammates. Goes the extra yard in preparation. Good workrate and crucial to the Magpies midfield.

34. Darcy Guttridge

Age: 18 Hgt: 171cm

Defender/midfielder

Was on track for a Round 1 debut, but broke her collarbone in a practice match. Could still feature lateer in the season.

38. Amelia Barden

Age: 24 Hgt: 167cm

Midfielder

An inside bull. A team player, always looking to get a teammate involved. Could be the next A Grade midfielder.

Amelia Barden.

41. Kristy Stratton

Age: 22 Hgt: 170cm

Midfielder

Had a knee clean-out in September but back training and expected to be available mid-season. A left-footer who’s good in the air.

43. Jasmine Garner

Age: 23 Hgt: 175cm

Forward

Became fitter and stronger over summer. Already a great kick and strong mark, her game will go to a new level.

46. Sarah Dargan

Age: 18 Hgt: 170cm

Forward

Evasive, crumbing forward with the ability to find space. Could be a surprise packet.

60. Emma King

Age: 23 Hgt: 186cm

Ruck

All-Australian has been working on her forward craft this pre-season. Has improved her marking and leading and could provide the Magpies with an X factor forward option.