Review: 2015 AFL Women’s Draft
The third AFL Women’s draft was held on Monday evening at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.
Both Melbourne and Western Bulldogs were permitted to retain only six players from their 2014 squads, with the sides selecting 16 new players and one emergency respectively on Monday evening.
The draft produced a great result both nationally and in NSW and is a true testament to the bourgeoning talent pool in female footy.
We take a look at the NSW born and bred girls who will represent NSW on a national level in the 2015 games between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs.
Heather Anderson – Pick #19 – Western Bulldogs Football Club
Female AFL supporters in the ACT rejoiced last night as Belconnen Magpies product Heather Andersons name was called out at the National Women’s Draft. The Western Bulldogs selected Anderson at pick number 19, who was invited to attend the draft at Etihad Stadium, will now get the opportunity to play in a Women’s exhibition match between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Demons on May 24. Speculation began around whether Anderson, or her AFL Canberra representative team mate Karina Demant (Eastlake), would become the first Canberra draftee when the duo were invited to play in the Victorian trial game at Whitten Oval a few weeks ago. Anderson is currently based in Wodonga, and plans on making the weekly journey to Canberra to play for her beloved Belconnen Magpies once the season begins on May 2nd.
Bulldogs draftee, Heather Anderson, poses for media during the 2015 Women’s Draft, Image: AFL Media.
Elise O’Dea – Pick #8 – Melbourne Demons
Now at Darebin Falcons in Melbourne, Elise played her junior football in ACT and Represented ACT at the national level before moving to Victoria where her football has gone from strength to strength. Elise has played for the Western Bulldogs for the past 2 years and was delisted this year (each club was only allowed to retain 6 players each). Her high selection is testament to her work ethic and excellent football skills.
Melbourne Demons draftee, Elise O’Dea poses for media during the 2015 Women’s Draft.Image: AFL Media
Jodie Hicks – Emergency – Melbourne Football Club
Jodie is a NSW/ACT U18 State player who was selected in the All Australian Team in 2013. She will again represent NSW/ACT in the Youth Girls Nationals in Mandurah in May. A dynamic rover and small forward Jodie has elite skills, is a great reader of play and a hunger for the footy. As a leader in our youth girls team her best football is still ahead of her.
Footy fans can see these girls in action when Melbourne takes on the Western Bulldogs on the 24th May at the MCG and on the 16th August at Etihad Stadium.
