The future looks promising for the AFLW competition going forward. The league just concluded their Under 18 Championships on the Gold Coast last week and now prepares for this year’s draft.
For the moment at least, the AFLW draft pools are state-based, meaning that the top prospects from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will most likely wind up with GWS. The top Queensland prospects will end up in Brisbane.
Perhaps the most enticing prospect is Alyce Parker. She is a classy midfielder said to be as good as they come. According to All=Australian selector Kate Sheahan, Parker is, “… a beautiful outside midfielder who’s got this left foot to die for. She seemed to always be in the right spots and then delivered the ball beautifully off that left foot. She just seems to know where to go. She’s quite a tall girl, but has great run.”
Parker seems capable of filling several roles with the Giants, either in the middle or of the half forward or half back flank. She would look good alongside Jess Dal Poss. Parker fits the Giants’ needs on many levels.
Haneen Zrieka is a rugby convert, so her obvious contributions will be those of a hard-nosed ball winner and a willingness to sacrifice her body. She would make an ideal inside midfielder.
On the Queensland side of the equation, Kalinda Howarth is a forward with the ability to do anything, either in the air or on the ground. She will be a fine addition to the Lions with her skill set that includes athleticism, toughness and the ability to do special things at key moments.
Then, there is Lauren Bella. She shows every indication of being the prototypical dominant ruckman, helping the Lions get on the front foot and be aggressive around the stoppages, something that would definitely help the Lions’ midfield.
