Potential No.1 AFLW pick Montana Ham chooses NSW zone

Sydney have received a huge boost ahead of their entry into the AFLW competition. But it is bad news for Victorian clubs, writes DANIEL CHERNY.

Montana Ham playing for the Jets in 2019. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Sydney has received a huge boost ahead of its first AFLW season with big-bodied Victorian midfielder Montana Ham opting against nominating for her home state’s draft pool to instead choose NSW.

Ham, a 179 centimetre onballer from the Western Jets, is viewed in women’s football circles as perhaps the standout player in this year’s draft pool.

Because AFLW is semi-professional, female players have the choice to specify the state in which they want to play. Most player nominate their home states. However Ham, who won the medal for best afield in last month’s AFL academy game, has chosen NSW.

Montana Ham of the Western Jets runs with the ball during the NAB Week Seven match against the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Her manager Alex Saundry confirmed the decision on Monday.

“It’s a university and lifestyle choice,” Saundry said.

“She’ll be happy to go to either club, Swans or Giants.”

Ham is all but sure to end up with Sydney, who has the first five selections of NSW clubs in the draft, including the first pick overall later this month.

Ham’s decision is certain to disappoint Victorian clubs, particularly expansion sides Hawthorn and Essendon, denying them the chance to land one of the best young prospects in the female game.

Saundry said that she would prefer the draft go fully national, which will likely occur with the eventual advent of full-time professionalism.

Ham’s call means that for the second straight year a top Victorian junior has chosen another state, with Charlie Rowbottom nominating for Queensland last year. The Oakleigh Chargers product was taken at pick No. 1 by Gold Coast.

Originally published as Potential No.1 AFLW pick Montana Ham chooses NSW zone