AS each AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships state completes its national carnival, we take a look at how the three-game carnival went, some of the impressive players, and those to keep an eye on next year.

Concluding the series is Western Australia who although the Sandgropers did not manage to pick up a victory, were competitive in patches nonetheless, though lapses hurt them.

RESULTS

Queensland 7.6 (48) defeated Western Australia 2.4 (16)
Vic Country 10.3 (63) defeated Western Australia 5.1 (31)
South Australia 11.5 (71) defeated Western Australia 7.8 (50)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

• Athletic key forwards in Olivia Wolmarans and Alicia Blizard

• Clearance work in game one

• Players raised their draft prospects through the carnival

• Determination to fight back from 56-0 deficit against Vic Country

• First term against Queensland and four-quarter effort against South Australia

WHAT WENT WRONG

• Lapses within matches resulting in deficits to the opposition

• Highest injury toll pre-championships of any state

KEY PLAYERS:

Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder / Adelaide)
Defender / Midfielder | 174cm | 03/08/2007

Stats: 17.7 disposals (79.2% efficiency), 4.3 marks, 4.0 tackles, 1.3 inside 50s, 5.0 rebound 50s

The West Australian MVP achieved a rare feat when handed the honour in consecutive seasons, perhaps made all the more impressive by the fact she still has another year in the junior development pathway. The tall defender is a terrific intercept mark, and though able to roll through the midfield, is far more effective behind the ball where she uses her aerial ability and long kick to full advantage.

Olivia Wolmarans (Subiaco)
Key Forward | 181cm | 02/09/2007

Stats: 14.0 disposals, 4.0 marks, 3.0 hitouts, 2.7 tackles, 1.7 inside 50s, 4 goals

Up the other end of the field, Wolmarans provided similar impact in the air, roaming up outside 50 to get involved, then going deep and providing a target on the lead. What Wolmarans does so well compared to a lot of others is being able to have the athleticism to work well in transition and move like a midfielder with her speed to get back goalside and finish off well. Pinch-hit through the ruck too when required.

Zippy Fish (East Fremantle)
Midfielder | 161cm | 04/06/2006

Stats: 20.3 disposals, 1.3 marks, 2.7 clearances, 1.7 tackles, 3.3 inside 50s, 2.7 rebound 50s

Came into the carnival as the one to watch, and though through the first two games opening halves could not have the impact she would have liked, once she got going looked a class above. Her work rate and ability to slice through the opposition was brilliant and she won it all over the ground. Whenever she started getting her hands on the ball, Western Australia instantly looked better.

Lily Paterson (Swan Districts)
Midfielder | 172cm | 02/05/2006

Stats: 21.0 disposals, 1.7 marks, 4.7 clearances, 2.7 tackles, 3.0 inside 50s

After a strong WAFLW season to earn a call-up to the state program, Paterson lived up to all expectations with a rock solid performance on-ball. A natural accumulator, Paterson is quick and clean by hand but can use the ball well by foot too. She provides pressure around the coalface, but is best utilised as a first-possession winner who can dish off to teammates running past.

Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle)
Defender / Midfielder | 180cm | 24/05/2006

Stats: 15.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 1.7 clearances, 3.0 tackles, 4.7 inside 50s

Starting the carnival in defence through games one and two then moving into the midfield in those matches then for game three, O’Hehir showed the traits that will hold her in good stead for the top level. Boasting elite athleticism and a booming kick, O’Hehir is as competitive as they come, and will apply pressure on the ball carrier as well as burst away and leave them in her dust. An all-round player.

Natasha Entwistle (East Fremantle)
Defender | 172cm | 19/10/2006

Stats: 14.3 disposals, 3.0 marks, 3.3 tackles, 3.7 rebound 50s

Had some big jobs in defence and held her own throughout the carnival, with her offensive-defensive balance always about right. She is accountable one-on-one, competes in the air and at ground level, and can provide run and carry to transition the ball from defence into offence. A really reliable player who always gives 100 per cent and rarely dips in form.

Holly Britton (Peel Thunder)
Wing | 163cm | 17/02/2006

Stats: 16.0 disposals, 2.3 marks, 1.0 clearances, 2.3 tackles, 1.7 inside 50s, 1.0 rebound 50s

Playing off a wing as she has in 2024 for Peel Thunder, Britton used her high work rate and footy smarts to find plenty of the ball in the national carnival. She might not have the explosiveness that some wings might have, but Britton is such a smart user that once she has it, does not need a lot of time to assess and make the right decision by hand or foot.

Taya Chambers (East Fremantle)
Tall Defender | 176cm | 16/07/2006

Stats: 11.7 disposals, 3.0 marks, 3.3 tackles, 2.0 rebound 50s

Spent the majority of her time in defence, but did push up to a wing in game three for a half, where she could get her run going. Athletic and competitive, Chambers is best suited to intercepting and bursting away, with a high upside thanks to her size and mobility. She is just as good at ground level, and her closing speed and defensive pressure make opposition forwards nervous.

Noa McNaughton (South Fremantle)
Forward / Midfielder | 161cm | 20/10/2006

Stats: 13.0 disposals, 1.7 marks, 2.7 clearances, 2.3 tackles, 3.0 inside 50s, 1 goal

Really enhanced her draft stocks through the national carnival by getting more midfield minutes and providing a spark on-ball. She has always been a damaging forward, but McNaughton showed her midfield craft at times by getting her hands on it and running out the back of the stoppages. Though she has areas to improve, her performances spoke for themselves.

Tiani Teakle (East Fremantle)
Tall Defender | 176cm | 01/07/2006

Stats: 10.3 disposals, 3.0 marks, 1.3 tackles, 5.0 rebound 50s

Another player who really put their hand up to AFLW clubs with a strong defensive performance. Teakle was able to be an intercepting force deep in defence, having started her football career as a forward, but now is a fully fledged defender. Reading the ball well in flight and having safe hands, Teakle saved a number of goal-scoring chances and rebounded consistently for the Sandgropers.

OTHERS:

Midfielder Renee Morgan had some important touches in close, while Alicia Blizard finished with five goals across the carnival to be the Sandgropers’ leading goalkicker. Sabella Banks was tasked with some huge jobs against Ash Centra and Georgia McKee, while Mia Russo returned from injury for the final game and got better as the match went on.

SUMMARY

Western Australia might have been disappointed to finish the national carnival at 0-3, but with a host of top-end talents such as Claudia Wright, Olivia Crane and Carys D’Addario missing the championships, it is understandable that the Sandgropers were not at full strength. Still their bottom-agers showed plenty and are well positioned to be a title threat next year.