Tassie hot shot Perri King in line for AFLW Draft

Devils teen sensation Perri King is hot property going into the 2021 AFLW Draft on Tuesday. LATEST >>

• Bombers, Roos leave it late to land thrilling wins
• Christensen plans to light up TSL

TASMANIANS could be in demand at the AFLW Draft and top of the shopping list is teen sensation Perri King.

North Melbourne’s list manager Rhys Harwood has kept a keen eye on the Tassie talent and, although he could not give away recruiting strategy, said King had what it takes to play AFLW.

“Perri is a consistent player across all levels, she’s an athlete and a natural footballer, so she’s one of the under-18 players who has had a very good season,” Harwood said.

North Melbourne’s VFLW captain, Tasmanian Meagan Kiely, is in the mix, along with Sarah Skinner and Meg Sinclair, as well as teenagers Ella Maurer, Jemma Blair and Camilla Taylor.

“There are a number of Tassie players, not just the under-18s, but also mature players who had have strong seasons,” Harwood said.

Perri King 17 who will play fro the SFLW in a representative football game ahead of the AFLW draft combine that she will also attend. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“They are under consideration by us, and other teams as well.

“It is great to have so many players come over and play in our VFLW side as well because it gives them a more exposure.

“Other clubs are having a look and I know we’ve been really impressed with the number of players putting their hand up for consideration.”

Harwood is impressed with the state’s emerging talent.

“The talent pool is very good in Tasmania and that’s a credit to [former Devils coach] Cameron Joyce and the AFL Tas team for the improvement of the players,” Harwood said.

“The advancement of that group of players over the past 12 months has been significant.

“When the Devils played their first game last year they were well-beaten, and to go on and make the finals this year, the improvement is significant.

“As a result, a number of players are throwing up their hand for consideration to be drafted.”

Christensen commits to more time with Bombers

A THRILLING victory over Tigers was the perfect entree for Lauderdale’s red and black ball but the playing group received extra reason to celebrate on Saturday night.

Just hours after the Bombers produced a nailbiting two-point win in front of home fans, coach Daniel Willing announced to the playing group star recruit Allen Christensen had extended his contract until the end of 2023.

Originally signing a two-year deal following 113 games with Geelong and Brisbane — including winning the 2011 premiership with the Cats — Christensen has settled into life in his adopted state.

Allen Christensen has committed to Lauderdale until the end of the 2023 TSL season. Picture: Linda Higginson

“I didn’t really plan for anything, I just came down here for a new adventure and it’s what I really needed after last year,” the 30-year-old said after booting three goals against the Tigers.

“With all the Covid stuff and being out of the team the whole year [at the Lions], it takes a pretty big toll on you mentally and just being able to sit with Dan [Willing] and all the other coaches and how you look at footy in a different way, it just gave me a different perspective on things.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, so happy to be sticking around for an extra year.

“Going to work every day and enjoying my time with the kids that I work with had a big part of it as well.

“My life is just not footy any more, so being able to just enjoy that and enjoy the lifestyle, it’s a really nice place to live and as we’ve seen today the standard of footy is good and I feel if it gets the right funding and the right attention it’s a bloody good league.”

Christensen’s commitment will give the Bombers a huge boost as they look to quickly climb back up the State League ladder, with the side backing up last round’s thumping of Glenorchy with a gritty come-from-behind victory against the Tigers.

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