AFLW Draft: Gold Coast academy star Havana Harris a ‘generational talent’

The Gold Coast academy is once again delivering the Suns a superstar in the making, with the club to add ‘generational talent’ Havana Harris at the draft. Here’s why she’s a game changer.

Havana Harris is set to join the Gold Coast. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos.

If Havana Harris wasn’t linked to Gold Coast’s Academy, there’s a high probability she would’ve been the first name read out in this year’s AFLW draft.

Not only is Harris one of the most sought-after players in this year’s pool, but she’s one of the most unique talents to come through the pathway in recent memory.

At 183cm, Harris’ height and athleticism are a force to be reckoned with in the ruck. But her ball-winning ability and strength around the contest are just as compatible with a role on-ball.

It’s why it’s not uncommon to see Harris start one centre bounce in the ruck and the next as a midfielder.

Despite her Academy status, a bid for Harris is expected to come within the first five picks of this year’s draft. And when the Suns ultimately match it, they’ll gain instant access to a generational talent.

Havana Harris is a genuine unicorn, able to line up at centre bounces as a ruck or a midfielder. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos.

“I don’t think about that too much,” an unflappable Harris said when asked about the prospect of being the best player in this year’s draft. “I don’t care what number I’m called out at.

“It would be awesome to play for anyone. I just want to be on an AFLW list. I don’t mind where I end up.

“I’d just love to play AFLW.”

Harris’ journey to the AFLW began at the Burleigh Bombers. She was a supreme athlete as well, winning gold in the under-13 girls high jump at the 2019 Little Athletics Championships in Hobart, her last tournament before footy took over.

From there, she progressed to play for Bond University in the QAFLW and the Suns Academy, rising to the occasion every step of the way.

In 2023, as an under-ager, Harris was crowned the best and fairest player at the 2023 AFL National Championships, won Queensland’s MVP award and was also named in the All-Australian team.

She capped her year with a best on ground performance in Bond University’s QAFLW premiership, finishing with 19 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and a goal.

Harris with AFL Queensland boss Trisha Squires after the QAFL grand final. Picture: Supplied

“It’s been awesome,” she said. “It was the best feeling winning a grand final.

“It was great to get that exposure to playing women’s footy against older, more experienced girls.”

It meant that Harris started 2024 with a target on her back and a point to prove – not that she noticed the hype.

“I don’t think I’ve had too much attention,” she said. “I don’t worry about it.

“I’m a relaxed person. My main focus is on the team and getting the win.

“I took on the captain’s role this year which was a challenge in itself. I wanted to help Queensland win all three games. That was my main goal.”

Queensland won two of their three games and Harris led from the front, averaging 23.7 (the most of any teammate) to earn another All-Australian nod.

Queensland talent experts say that Harris hasn’t played a bad game at national level in three years. While most clubs would love a player of her calibre, Harris completed just six interviews at the draft combine.

And after having a front-row seat to Queensland’s burgeoning talent pathway, now it’s her turn to take the AFLW by storm and help save the Suns.

“I was always the younger one playing with older age groups,” she said. “Watching girls like Fleur Davies, Darcie Davies and Sienna McMullen get drafted was awesome.

“It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do.

“It’s always been a dream.”

Originally published as AFLW Draft: Gold Coast academy star Havana Harris a ‘generational talent’