NAMED: SA’s top AFLW draft prospects ahead of next month’s national draft

All eyes are on SA talent ahead of the AFLW draft with the SANFLW one of few state league competitions to play this year. SEE the list of local prospects.

• Revealed: 2020 Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year
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The coronavirus pandemic led to the AFLW under-18 national championships being cancelled.

But with the SANFLW being one of the few women’s footy competitions to have played a full season this year, all eyes are on our talented girls.

See the list of SA players who are likely to be attracting interest from AFLW clubs and could be snapped up at the October 6 national draft:

ASHLEIGH WOODLAND (NORTH ADELAIDE)

The Roosters forward already has AFLW experience after being on Melbourne’s list in 2019 before returning to Adelaide and the SANFLW due to home sickness.

But the 21-year-old is likely to be courted by AFLW clubs again after a superb season with North Adelaide this year.

Woodland can take strong, overhead marks, is an accurate kick for goal and uses the ball well.

She is also versatile, having played in defence and through the midfield.

Woodland claimed the Roosters’ best and fairest award and was also the club’s leading goal kicker this season.

The ex-Melbourne forward is one of four SA players to earn an AFL draft combine invite.

Strengths: Versatility and unselfishness with the ball.

North Adelaide SANFLW player Ashleigh Woodland. Picture: Supplied, SANFL

AMBER WARD (NORTH ADELAIDE)

Ward nominated for the draft last year and is hoping for second time lucky in 2020.

The 19-year-old is a reliable key defender who not only competes well at ground level but is exceptional overhead.

She was rarely beaten and was one of the reasons North’s opponents this season were never able to register large scores.

The youngster was rewarded for her solid form this year by being named in the 2020 Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year.

Ward has also worked hard on controlling the ball when moving it out of defence with pinpoint kicks to teammates.

She will join Woodland at the AFLW national draft combine.

Strengths: Booming kick and attack on the football.

KATELYN POPE (NORTH ADELAIDE)

From state cricketer to state footballer, Pope has enjoyed a rapid rise in her inaugural campaign in the SANFLW ranks with North Adelaide.

Pope made the switch from cricket to football last year, playing with Broadview in the Adelaide Footy League women’s division three competition.

After playing an integral role in the Tigers’ undefeated, premiership-winning team in 2019, she was then recruited by the Roosters for this year.

The midfielder is quick and uses her speed to take the game on through the centre and is also pretty handy in front of goals.

Pope capped an impressive first year by finishing third in the SANFLW’s best and fairest count before helping the Roosters claim their first women’s flag.

Strengths: speed, accuracy in front of goal.

Katelyn Pope (front left) in action for of Team Marinoff during the AFLW All-Stars game. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

LAUREN GAUCI (NORTH ADELAIDE)

Gauci was a key pillar in North’s defence this year and can rebound well off half-back.

Standing at 179cm, the 24-year-old also has plenty of speed and can execute the ball well by hand and foot.

She’s reliable and can also be used on the wing to help transition the ball from defence into attack.

Strengths: Wins most one-on-one battles, versatility.

JESSICA MACOLINO (NORWOOD)

The tough midfielder missed the first half of the Redlegs campaign this year with a back injury.

But after returning in round five following the COVID-19 shutdown Macolino did not miss a beat.

The 27-year-old, who can also play as a small defender, prides herself on working hard and winning the contested ball

Macolino’s strength is a key feature of her game and she can break through tackles, while also being a strong tacker herself.

She uses the ball well and doesn’t panic in pressure situations.

Strengths: Tackling, winning contested balls at ground level.

Norwood’s Jessica Macolino (R) battles South Adelaide’s Cheyenne Hammond (L) during a game last year Picture: /Brenton Edwards

MATILDA ZANDER (NORWOOD)

The classy Redlegs forward/midfielder took her game to another level this year, becoming a real prolific ball winner.

The 22-year-old is a small, but strongly built.

She has good speed around goals and away from stoppage.

Zander is also generally clean with her hands and has good goal sense when playing as a forward.

Matilda is very competitive and welcomes body contact to win loose ball or to tackle.

Strengths: Speed, ball use.

Norwood SANFLW player Matilda Zander in action. Picture: Peter Argent

MATTEA BREED (NORWOOD/NT)

She’s a rising star from the Northern Territory and stamped her mark with Norwood in the SANFLW this past season.

In just her second game in round two against Woodville-West Torrens, Breed gathered 21 disposals, five tackles and four clearances.

The 18-year-old can play on-ball or in the forward line.

Before relocating to Adelaide to play with the Redlegs, Breed was already on AFLW recruiters’ radars.

While featuring with the Darwin Buffaloes, she claimed back-to-back NTFL under-18 best and fairest medals and lined up in two premierships with the side those same years.

She had also represented the NT Thunder and Central Allies at the AFL under-18 girls national championships.

Strengths: Clearance work, tackling.

INDY TAHAU (SOUTH ADELAIDE)

The 2019 Panthers premiership utility comes from a rugby background so is super tough around the contest and is rarely beaten.

She’s athletic, can chase down opponents or get around them with her speed and strength.

Tahau is also a great decision maker and has a strong overhead mark.

Her versatility is what makes the 18-year-old standout from the pack.

At 175cm, the rising star can play many different roles including as a forward, tall midfielder and ruck.

Tahau will test at the AFLW national draft combine.

Strengths: Versatility, height.

South Adelaide rising star Indy Tahau. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

TEAH CHARLTON SOUTH ADELAIDE)

Charlton is another one of South’s 2019 premiership stars who could find herself on an AFLW list next month.

The now 18-year-old’s football journey started way back in 2011 when she starred for SA the School Sport Australia Australian football Championships.

After that tournament, she was named in the All-Australian team and the Christies Beach junior has since gone from strength to strength in the state junior program.

Charlton is athletic, has speed, strong hands and is accurate in front of goal.

She spends time in both the midfield and half-forward when playing for South and has the ability to change the game.

Her ground-ball work and pressure acts are also features of her game.

Charlton’s hard work is beginning to pay off after being invited to test at the AFLW draft combine.

Strengths: Marking, pressure.

TAHLIA MEYER (SOUTH ADELAIDE)

The midfielder joined the Panthers this season after lining up with Norwood in 2019.

Although she does not always amasses a high number of possessions like some of South Adelaide’s midfielders, it’s how she uses the ball when she’s got it that counts.

Meyer can always find a target as she is cool and calm under pressure.

Tahlia Meyer in action for Team Hatchard during the AFLW All-Stars game. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

The 25-year-old gives her forwards first use with her pinpoint delivery and her workrate is second to none.

Meyer was also included in the 2020 Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year on the wing.

Strengths: Decision making, execution.

Originally published as NAMED: SA’s top AFLW draft prospects ahead of next month’s national draft