Devils duo Mackenzie Williams and Lucy Thompson in line for the AFLW National Draft
Two of Tasmania’s finest Devils Girls tested and interviewed ahead of the National Draft - we reveal some of the questions AFLW recruiters asked them.
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Devils duo Mackenzie Williams and Lucy Thompson have put their best foot forward at AFLW testing days in the hope of being selected in the 2024 Draft in Melbourne in December.
The tenacious teenagers both recently attended AFLW testing camps _ Williams at the AFLW National Combine and Thompson at the State Combine, both held in Melbourne.
Williams, an 18-year-old lock down/rebound defender, was forced to skip the physical testing because of a shin splint complaint.
She was interviewed by five clubs _ Adelaide, Fremantle, Geelong, North Melbourne and Essendon _ at the event.
“I still got to go over and have the experience, which included the interviews, which were all pretty positive,” Williams said.
“Sometimes there are tricky questions but they make you feel comfortable and just want to get to know you.
“They asked things like what has been your most challenging experience, or how do you like to be coached.
“North are pretty keen but I don’t think they have a priority pick of me.”
Williams was sidelined for the 2km time trial, 20m sprint, agility, standing vertical jump and running vertical jump.
“It was a little bit stressful because testing maybe would have improved my chances, but I’d rather not test and not do well because of my injury.”
Her form this season was exceptional.
“I had a pretty consistent year with the Devils and a good national championships with the Allies, and playing in the Australian Academy team was a good experience,” she said.
Thompson, an 18-year-old forward, is known for her reliable hands and as a fierce competitor.
“The Combine was a really good experience,” she said.
“I think I did pretty well across the board _ my best numbers were probably in the vertical jump and 20m sprint.
“It was just good to be in that elite environment and that level of professionalism.”
The girls hope to hear their names at the draft at Marvel Stadium on December 16.
“It’s a waiting game now,” Williams said.
“I think more interviews will be coming up and doing well in those interviews is really all I can do now.”
Thompson will be eligible as an overage player for the Devils next season if not drafted.
“It’s hard to know where you stand _ now there’s nothing more you can do but wait,” she said.
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